soto

Soto is a surname of Spanish origin. It derives from the Old Spanish word soto, meaning a grove or thicket, and is toponymic in origin, originally referring to someone from a place called Soto. The name spread through Spain to the Americas during the colonial era and is common in Spain, Mexico, the Philippines, and other countries with historical Spanish influence. Variants include de Soto, which typically means “of Soto,” and is found in both historical and contemporary usage. The surname appears across diverse fields, including politics, sports, and the arts.

Soto also refers to a traditional Indonesian soup, a family of dishes with aromatic, clear or mildly soupy broths. Common ingredients include meat (often chicken or beef), rice or noodles, and a blend of spices such as turmeric, lemongrass, and ginger. Varieties include Soto ayam (chicken), Soto sapi (beef), and Soto bakso (meatball) or Soto betawi, among others. It is a staple in Indonesian and Malay cuisine and is commonly served with accompaniments like rice or vermicelli, boiled egg, potato, and fried shallots.

The term also appears in geography and culture as a place name and surname across the Spanish-speaking world and former territories, reflecting its toponymic origins.