[1] The avenue's present name is taken from Dr. Arcadio Santos, a native of Parañaque who was the sitting governor of Rizal when the road was opened in 1921, while the then-municipality was part of the province.

It is also alternatively known as Parañaque–Sucat Road, indicating its purpose of connecting the old Parañaque town proper, located by Manila Bay, with Sucat in Muntinlupa.

The avenue originated as a carabao trail that opened in 1921, overlooking salt farms and grass plains.

[7] This bill, authored by Representative Eric Olivarez (Parañaque–1st), is still pending in the Committee on Public Works and Highways as of October 2013.

[8] The avenue is served by the Manila Light Rail Transit Line 1 through Dr. Santos station, which is located near the C-5 Extension.

Two namesake spurs branching from the avenue near Sucat Interchange carry southbound traffic to and from West Service Road, respectively.