Pronunciation: [sˈant͡ʃə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the name "Sancho" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The initial "S" is pronounced as "s" in "sun". The "a" is pronounced as "æ" in "cat". The "n" sound is the same as in "no". The "ch" is pronounced as "tʃ" in "chair", and the final "o" is pronounced as "oʊ" in "go." Therefore, the IPA transcription for "Sancho" is /ˈsæntʃoʊ/. This name is of Spanish origin and means "sacred, holy."
Sancho is a noun that refers to a fictional character in the novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes. Sancho is one of the two main characters in the novel and serves as the loyal squire and trusted companion of Don Quixote, the self-proclaimed knight-errant.
In the novel, Sancho is depicted as a simple-minded and pragmatic peasant, contrasting with Don Quixote's delusions of chivalry and grandeur. Sancho's character provides comic relief and serves as a foil to Don Quixote's ideals and adventures. He is known for his distinctive appearance, often described as short, round, and jovial, with a penchant for eating and drinking.
Sancho is characterized by his loyalty to Don Quixote, willingly accompanying him on his misadventures and often acting as a voice of reason, trying to temper Don Quixote's delusions and protect him from harm. However, despite his seemingly mundane perspective, Sancho also displays moments of wisdom and wit, becoming a beloved and iconic character in literature.
Beyond the novel, the name Sancho has also been used as a given name in Spanish-speaking communities, often associated with a cheerful and down-to-earth personality. Additionally, the term "Sancho Panza" is sometimes used colloquially to refer to a loyal and supportive friend or sidekick.
The word "Sancho" has its roots in Spanish and can be traced back to the medieval period. Its etymology is associated with the name "Sancho", which is derived from the Germanic name "Sancius" or "Sancho", meaning "sanctified" or "saintly". It ultimately derives from the Old High German word "sankt" (meaning "holy" or "saint") combined with "io" or "ioh" (meaning "youth" or "young"), thus forming the name "San(t)ioh" or "San(t)ius". Over time, this name evolved into "Sancho" in Spanish, where it became associated with various historical figures, most notably Don Sancho, the brother of King Alfonso of Castile.
