Diego Name Meaning

The name Diego is a Spanish form of the English name James and has the same meaning, which is “supplanter”. It is also associated with the Spanish word for “Saint”, which is “Santo”.

Origins of the Name Diego

The etymology of the name Diego is derived from the Latin name Iacobus, which is the Latin form of the biblical name Jacob, meaning “supplanter”.

History of the Name Diego

The name Diego has Latin origins and is derived from the name Santiago, which is the Spanish form of the saint’s name James. It was introduced to the English language by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. This name has been used as a given name in countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.

Popularity of the Name Diego

Diego has become increasingly popular in the US since the early 2000s. It has become one of the top 100 boys’ names and is currently ranked as the 62nd most popular boys’ name in the US. It is also popular in other countries, such as Mexico, where it is the 15th most popular boys’ name.

Final Thoughts on the Name Diego

Diego is a classic name that has a rich history and bright symbolism. Its popularity is no surprise—it has a great meaning and is a timeless classic. Whether you’re looking for a name that is popular or timeless, Diego is the perfect choice.

Infographic of Diego name meaning, which is A variant of Santiago, Diego is a Spanish name meaning Saint James.
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Diego Name Popularity

How popular is the name Diego? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 0 0%
1911 0 0%
1912 0 0%
1913 0 0%
1914 0 0%
1915 0 0%
1916 1,158 9 0.0009%
1917 0 0%
1918 0 0%
1919 1,213 10 0.001%
1920 0 0%
1921 0 0%
1922 1,381 6 0.0005%
1923 1,354 7 0.0006%
1924 1,405 7 0.0006%
1925 1,576 5 0.0004%
1926 987 19 0.0017%
1927 1,576 5 0.0005%
1928 1,431 6 0.0006%
1929 1,268 8 0.0008%
1930 0 0%
1931 1,357 6 0.0006%
1932 1,467 5 0.0005%
1933 1,079 11 0.0012%
1934 1,239 7 0.0007%
1935 954 16 0.0016%
1936 1,134 9 0.0009%
1937 1,012 12 0.0012%
1938 1,165 7 0.0007%
1939 1,278 6 0.0006%
1940 1,448 5 0.0005%
1941 1,130 8 0.0007%
1942 928 19 0.0015%
1943 1,200 8 0.0006%
1944 999 14 0.0011%
1945 1,386 5 0.0004%
1946 986 17 0.0012%
1947 938 24 0.0014%
1948 1,372 6 0.0004%
1949 1,082 14 0.0009%
1950 961 20 0.0012%
1951 1,148 11 0.0006%
1952 1,532 5 0.0003%
1953 1,027 18 0.001%
1954 1,007 21 0.0011%
1955 1,098 16 0.0009%
1956 1,266 10 0.0005%
1957 968 26 0.0014%
1958 808 45 0.0024%
1959 991 25 0.0013%
1960 927 29 0.0015%
1961 956 28 0.0015%
1962 915 31 0.0017%
1963 888 34 0.0019%
1964 811 46 0.0026%
1965 778 48 0.0029%
1966 734 56 0.0036%
1967 805 42 0.0028%
1968 868 33 0.0022%
1969 772 58 0.0038%
1970 734 80 0.005%
1971 746 75 0.005%
1972 710 81 0.0059%
1973 754 67 0.0052%
1974 644 111 0.0085%
1975 648 113 0.0088%
1976 746 77 0.006%
1977 666 116 0.0086%
1978 678 103 0.0077%
1979 662 119 0.0084%
1980 587 169 0.0116%
1981 560 186 0.0127%
1982 508 235 0.0157%
1983 495 240 0.0163%
1984 472 274 0.0184%
1985 456 314 0.0207%
1986 415 385 0.0255%
1987 368 481 0.0315%
1988 353 551 0.0354%
1989 319 715 0.0443%
1990 313 773 0.0466%
1991 298 829 0.0509%
1992 305 844 0.0529%
1993 304 863 0.0554%
1994 236 1,241 0.0809%
1995 229 1,267 0.0841%
1996 219 1,351 0.0902%
1997 187 1,767 0.1195%
1998 189 1,774 0.1185%
1999 150 2,390 0.1596%
2000 147 2,656 0.1739%
2001 140 2,813 0.1867%
2002 98 3,962 0.2644%
2003 83 5,098 0.3351%
2004 73 5,861 0.3845%
2005 62 6,929 0.4532%
2006 56 8,390 0.5358%
2007 58 8,197 0.5195%
2008 69 6,561 0.4245%
2009 76 5,392 0.3608%
2010 86 4,699 0.3261%
2011 99 3,811 0.2675%
2012 110 3,325 0.2333%
2013 130 2,907 0.2042%
2014 129 3,152 0.2163%
2015 126 3,215 0.221%
2016 130 3,177 0.2203%
2017 129 3,068 0.2198%
2018 135 2,863 0.2084%
2019 129 2,962 0.2188%
2020 125 2,845 0.2235%
2021 126 2,888 0.2363%
2022 123 2,946 0.2233%

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Data via SSA.gov.


Names Like Diego

If you like Diego, you’ll love these other names like Diego.


What names are variants of Diego?

Mix it up with these names that are a variation of the name Diego.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Dago

Spanish


What names sound like Diego?

If you like how Diego sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Diego.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Daeg

Daylight

Scandinavian

Dag

Daylight

Scandinavian

Deke

Dusty one; servant; messenger

Greek

Dick

Ten

German

Dicky

Powerful leader

German

Doug

Black river

Scottish

Tige
Togo

What names are similar to Diego?

Find a name that’s like Diego, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Santiago

Saint James

Spanish


Lists With Diego

Find inspiration in these baby boy name lists featuring the name Diego.


Siblings of Diego

Mamas with kids named Diego also have kids with these names.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Natalia

Christmas Day

Latin

3 Comments

  1. It is great.

  2. We just love the name. My husband originally being from Mexico City, we’ve chosen all Spanish names for our children, and they also all have biblical significance. The English counterpart to DIEGO is Jacob or James which means “supplanter”. Everyone always associate the name with Diego Maradona, famous Argentine soccer player. My husband is a huge soccer fan as well, which may have influenced his decision on the name lol

  3. Names after one of the greatest cities. San Diego!


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