The Name(s) (and the Origin)

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“The name de Soto is steeped in both Flamenco and American history, and I am proud of that fusion
and influence on my music” – Mito

Mito de Soto is a well-known Spanish-American guitarist. His nickname Mito is a play on words; translated into English, mito means ‘myth’ but phonetically may be misinterpreted as a diminutive for Miguelito. De Soto uses mito as a unique musical nickname incorporating both his first and last names interpreting Mito de Soto as “myth of the grove.”

The Spanish surname de Soto originates from several places in Spain: El soto, a subsection of northern Madrid; Soto de Ribera, approximately 70 kilometers north of Madrid; The Grove, approximately 55 kilometers southwest of Santiago de Compestela (Compestela being where the remains of St. James are said to be buried); and finally, Soto del Barco in the north central part of Spain in the Asturias region near Avila and Oviedo.

Mito’s specific lineage originates in the town of Soto del Barco, roughly translated as “The Ship’s Grove.” The town of Soto del Barco maintains glorious vistas of quintessentially Spanish land and seascapes. Situated on El Mar Cantábrico (The Cantabrian Sea), Soto del Barco has always had an active seaport from which it derives its name. The only way you will find this gem, is to buy a local map “When in Spain.”