Diego Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Diego Name Meaning

Fact: Diego is also the name of the main character in the children’s show “Go, Diego, Go!”

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A Deep Dive

Diego Overview

Meaning

Supplanter

Gender

Boy

Origin

Spanish

Etymology

Derived from the Spanish form of the name “James,” originally from the Hebrew name “Ya’aqov,” meaning “supplanter.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈdiː.ɡoʊ/

Popularity

Diego is a popular name in Spanish-speaking countries and has gained recognition in other parts of the world. Recently, Diego has consistently ranked within the top 150 names for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

4 (Orderly, Steady, Service-oriented)

Name Styles

Exotic, Traditional, Religious and Spiritual

Associated Traits

Strong, adventurous, charismatic, intelligent

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Diego is associated with Saint Didacus of Alcalá, a Spanish Franciscan lay brother and missionary, also known as San Diego.

Name Day

November 13th
A Deep Dive

Diego Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Santiago, Diogo, Tiago, Iago, Didacus, Jaeger, Diogenes, Deegan

Common Nicknames

Di, De, Didi, Iggy, Diggy

Diminutives

D, Dee, Dig, Ego, Digo

Famous People

  • Diego Maradona
    (Argentine Footballer)
  • Diego Luna
    (Mexican Actor)
  • Diego Rivera
    (Mexican Painter)
  • Diego Boneta
    (Mexican Actor)
  • Diego Simeone
    (Argentine Football Manager)
  • Diego Forlán
    (Uruguayan Footballer)
  • Diego Schwartzman
    (Argentine Tennis Player)
  • Diego Velázquez
    (Spanish Painter)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Diego Hargreeves
    ("The Umbrella Academy," TV Series)
  • "Diego"
    (Song by Jennifer Lopez)
  • Diego de la Vega
    ("Zorro," Novel)
  • Diego Rivera
    ("Frida," Film)
  • Diego
    ("Ice Age," Film Series)
  • Diego Sanchez
    ("Dora the Explorer," TV Series)

Places

  • San Diego City
    (California, USA)
  • Diego Garcia
    (British Indian Ocean Territory)
  • San Diego River
    (California, USA)
  • San Diego Bay
    (California, USA)
  • Diego Martin
    (Trinidad and Tobago)

What Is the Meaning of Diego?

Diego means “supplanter” or “he who replaces” in Spanish. This name suggests a personality that is strong-willed and determined, often seen as someone who is resourceful and capable of overcoming challenges.

What Is the Origin of The Name Diego?

Diego has Spanish origins. It is believed to be a form of the name Santiago, which is derived from Saint James. The name has been widely used in Spanish-speaking countries and has historical significance due to its association with several notable figures and saints.

Diego Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Diego in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#1262021#1242022#1352023
Top 3 Rankings#562006#572007#622005

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Diego

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023135
(-11 from 2022)
2734
(-231 from 2022)
0.14931
2022124
(+2 from 2021)
2965
(+44 from 2021)
0.15830
2021126
No change from 2020
2921
(+13 from 2020)
0.15590
2020126
(+3 from 2019)
2908
(-78 from 2019)
0.15722
2019129
(+6 from 2018)
2986
(+102 from 2018)
0.15538
2018135
(-6 from 2017)
2884
(-216 from 2017)
0.14837
2017129
(+1 from 2016)
3100
(-99 from 2016)
0.15664
2016130
(-5 from 2015)
3199
(-36 from 2015)
0.15793
2015125
(+4 from 2014)
3235
(+64 from 2014)
0.15823
2014129
(+1 from 2013)
3171
(+250 from 2013)
0.15474
2013130
(-20 from 2012)
2921
(-416 from 2012)
0.14455
2012110
(-11 from 2011)
3337
(-486 from 2011)
0.16445
201199
(-13 from 2010)
3823
(-896 from 2010)
0.18819
201086
(-10 from 2009)
4719
(-695 from 2009)
0.22970
200976
(-7 from 2008)
5414
(-1158 from 2008)
0.25527
200869
(-12 from 2007)
6572
(-1644 from 2007)
0.30141
200757
(-1 from 2006)
8216
(-187 from 2006)
0.37091
200656
(+6 from 2005)
8403
(+1462 from 2005)
0.38328
200562
(+11 from 2004)
6941
(+1066 from 2004)
0.32628
200473
(+10 from 2003)
5875
(+756 from 2003)
0.27799
200383
(+15 from 2002)
5119
(+1141 from 2002)
0.24363
200298
(+42 from 2001)
3978
(+1146 from 2001)
0.19248
2001140
(+7 from 2000)
2832
(+148 from 2000)
0.13692
2000147
(+2 from 1999)
2684
(+268 from 1999)
0.12852
1999149
(+38 from 1998)
2416
(+609 from 1998)
0.11849
1998187
(-1 from 1997)
1807
(+22 from 1997)
0.08912
1997186
(+32 from 1996)
1785
(+405 from 1996)
0.08935
1996218
(+10 from 1995)
1380
(+82 from 1995)
0.06887
1995228
(+9 from 1994)
1298
(+40 from 1994)
0.06453
1994237
(+62 from 1993)
1258
(+345 from 1993)
0.06172
1993299
(+2 from 1992)
913
(+23 from 1992)
0.04420
1992301
(-6 from 1991)
890
(+12 from 1991)
0.04240
1991295
(+14 from 1990)
878
(+52 from 1990)
0.04142
1990309
(+9 from 1989)
826
(+68 from 1989)
0.03838
1989318
(+30 from 1988)
758
(+162 from 1988)
0.03616
1988348
(+20 from 1987)
596
(+71 from 1987)
0.02977
1987368
(+49 from 1986)
525
(+105 from 1986)
0.02692
1986417
(+51 from 1985)
420
(+78 from 1985)
0.02186
1985468
(+5 from 1984)
342
(+25 from 1984)
0.01777
1984473
(+36 from 1983)
317
(+42 from 1983)
0.01689
1983509
(+18 from 1982)
275
(+13 from 1982)
0.01476
1982527
(+59 from 1981)
262
(+51 from 1981)
0.01388
1981586
(+42 from 1980)
211
(+18 from 1980)
0.01133
1980628
(+94 from 1979)
193
(+49 from 1979)
0.01041
1979722
(-1 from 1978)
144
(+8 from 1978)
0.00804
1978721
(-37 from 1977)
136
(-17 from 1977)
0.00796
1977684
(+83 from 1976)
153
(+36 from 1976)
0.00895
1976767
(-82 from 1975)
117
(-28 from 1975)
0.00717
1975685
(+23 from 1974)
145
(+10 from 1974)
0.00894
1974708
(+62 from 1973)
135
(+28 from 1973)
0.00828
1973770
(+19 from 1972)
107
(+4 from 1972)
0.00663
1972789
(+10 from 1971)
103
(+2 from 1971)
0.00615
1971799
(+1 from 1970)
101
(-2 from 1970)
0.00556
1970800
(+46 from 1969)
103
(+21 from 1969)
0.00541
1969846
(+122 from 1968)
82
(+25 from 1968)
0.00448
1968968
(-94 from 1967)
57
(-10 from 1967)
0.00321
1967874
(-54 from 1966)
67
(-12 from 1966)
0.00377
1966820
(+76 from 1965)
79
(+12 from 1965)
0.00435
1965896
(+49 from 1964)
67
(+2 from 1964)
0.00354
1964945
(+37 from 1963)
65
(+6 from 1963)
0.00321
1963982
(+57 from 1962)
59
(+5 from 1962)
0.00286
19621039
(-12 from 1961)
54
(-4 from 1961)
0.00257
19611027
(+140 from 1960)
58
(+13 from 1960)
0.00269
19601167
(-99 from 1959)
45
(-7 from 1959)
0.00208
19591068
(-105 from 1958)
52
(-10 from 1958)
0.00240
1958963
(+236 from 1957)
62
(+20 from 1957)
0.00288
19571199
(+312 from 1956)
42
(+15 from 1956)
0.00192
19561511
(-198 from 1955)
27
(-6 from 1955)
0.00126
19551313
(-2 from 1954)
33
No change from 1954
0.00158
19541311
(+67 from 1953)
33
(+3 from 1953)
0.00159
19531378
(+372 from 1952)
30
(+11 from 1952)
0.00150
19521750
(-106 from 1951)
19
(-2 from 1951)
0.00096
19511644
(-355 from 1950)
21
(-10 from 1950)
0.00110
19501289
(+7 from 1949)
31
No change from 1949
0.00170
19491296
(+360 from 1948)
31
(+11 from 1948)
0.00172
19481656
(-293 from 1947)
20
(-9 from 1947)
0.00112
19471363
(+279 from 1946)
29
(+10 from 1946)
0.00156
19461642
(+130 from 1945)
19
(+4 from 1945)
0.00115
19451772
(-334 from 1944)
15
(-7 from 1944)
0.00109
19441438
(+49 from 1943)
22
No change from 1943
0.00158
19431487
(-189 from 1942)
22
(-7 from 1942)
0.00151
19421298
(+113 from 1941)
29
(+6 from 1941)
0.00206
19411411
(+484 from 1940)
23
(+9 from 1940)
0.00183
19401895
(-16 from 1939)
14
No change from 1939
0.00118
19391879
(-358 from 1938)
14
(-6 from 1938)
0.00124
19381521
(+55 from 1937)
20
(+1 from 1937)
0.00176
19371576
(+147 from 1936)
19
(+3 from 1936)
0.00174
19361723
(-333 from 1935)
16
(-8 from 1935)
0.00150
19351390
(+161 from 1934)
24
(+4 from 1934)
0.00224
19341551
(-190 from 1933)
20
(-4 from 1933)
0.00188
19331361
(+290 from 1932)
24
(+5 from 1932)
0.00235
19321651
(+119 from 1931)
19
(+2 from 1931)
0.00177
19311770
(+194 from 1930)
17
(+2 from 1930)
0.00159
19301964
(-586 from 1929)
15
(-12 from 1929)
0.00133
19291378
(+269 from 1928)
27
(+6 from 1928)
0.00244
19281647
(+101 from 1927)
21
(+1 from 1927)
0.00184
19271748
(-282 from 1926)
20
(-5 from 1926)
0.00172
19261466
(+727 from 1925)
25
(+11 from 1925)
0.00218
19252193
(-813 from 1924)
14
(-15 from 1924)
0.00122
19241380
(+561 from 1923)
29
(+12 from 1923)
0.00248
19231941
(+406 from 1922)
17
(+4 from 1922)
0.00150
19222347
(-367 from 1921)
13
(-4 from 1921)
0.00116
19211980
(+251 from 1920)
17
(+3 from 1920)
0.00149
19202231
(-536 from 1919)
14
(-6 from 1919)
0.00127
19191695
(+565 from 1918)
20
(+7 from 1918)
0.00197
19182260
(+472 from 1917)
13
(+4 from 1917)
0.00124
19172732
(-1034 from 1916)
9
(-9 from 1916)
0.00094
19161698
(+760 from 1915)
18
(+8 from 1915)
0.00195
19152458
(-187 from 1914)
10
(+1 from 1914)
0.00114
19142271
(-326 from 1913)
9
No change from 1913
0.00132
19131945
(-199 from 1912)
9
No change from 1912
0.00168
19121746
(-359 from 1911)
9
(+2 from 1911)
0.00199
19111387
(-194 from 1910)
7
(-1 from 1910)
0.00290
19101193
(-63 from 1903)
8
(+3 from 1903)
0.00384
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19031130
(-209 from 1887)
5
No change from 1887
0.00387
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1887921
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00457
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Diego

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#582021#572022#632023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#572021#552022#642023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#1062021#1392022#1472023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#982021#1002022#842023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#772021#822022#792023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#1952021#1772022#2092023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#1382021#952022#1102023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1902021#1632022#2132023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#1412021#1632022#1262023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#1412021#1482022#1742023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1452021#1512022#1842023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#652021#692022#902023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#1562021#1442022#1622023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#982021#602022#782023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1022021#872022#1222023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#2292021#1562022#962023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#4662021#2852022#3212023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2432021#1942022#2052023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#1882021#2332022#2012023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#2642021#2332022#2152023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#2602021#2202022#2142023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#2552021#3202022#2652023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#3582021#3682022#3652023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#1702021#2042022#2392023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#3702021#4052022#3022023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#1812021#2042022#1972023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3072021#2422022#2972023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#4482021#3892022#3652023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1852021#1722022#2052023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1682021#2112022#2382023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#2402021#2892022#3552023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1462021#2342022#2762023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#2432021#2742022#2362023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#1682021#1892022#2402023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1752021#2432022#2612023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#2802021#3682022#2512023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1222021#852022#622023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3442021#3062022#3702023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#4342021#3762022#3472023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#2202021#1432022#1882023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1752019#1392021#1512023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1962008#2182016#1352023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1022006#532007#722008

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1722006#2142012#2212014

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2312006#2312008#2532022

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1902003#1612004#2162011

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#2232005#2082006

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2452018

Popularity Rankings for Diego in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Mexico

Mexico flagMexico#72020#102021

Popularity in Italy

Italy flagItaly#122020#112021#112022

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#142021#182022#202023

Popularity in Spain

Spain flagSpain#142020#142021#142022

Popularity in Brazil

Brazil flagBrazil#191990 (Decade)#172000 (Decade)

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#262020#182021#282022

Popularity in Chile

Chile flagChile#252019#252020#262021

Popularity in Portugal

Portugal flagPortugal#322012#252019#302020

Popularity in Galicia, Spain

Galicia, Spain flagGalicia, Spain#292020#272021#342022

Popularity in Uruguay

Uruguay flagUruguay#492021#442022#602023

Popularity in Basque Country, Spain

Basque Country, Spain flagBasque Country, Spain#482020#592021#562022

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#672020#582021#942022

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#792019#802020#842021

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina flagArgentina#1412013#1452014#1482015

Popularity in Austria

Austria flagAustria#1912008#1982009#1582010

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#1962021#2192022#2672023

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#2442021#3182022#4252023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#2792021#4542022#3622023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#2822020#3572021#3002022

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#2942022

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#4062021#4162022#3572023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#3872010#4152015#4152017

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3912006#3892008#4282009

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#4202015#4882019#4962023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#4542019#4252020#4332021

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#4832009#5002012#4252022

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#5042022#9232023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Diego a Name for Boys or Girls?

Diego is typically a boy’s name due to its robust and masculine tone, which is well-suited to male attributes.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Diego

Diego in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Diego Maradona (Footballer, 1960–2020): An Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
  • Diego Luna (Actor, born 1979): A Mexican actor known for his roles in "Y Tu Mamá También" and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."
  • Diego Rivera (Artist, 1886–1957): A Mexican painter and muralist known for his large frescoes that helped establish the Mexican Mural Movement.
  • Diego Boneta (Actor, born 1990): A Mexican actor and singer known for his role in the film "Rock of Ages" and the TV series "Luis Miguel: The Series."
  • Diego Simeone (Football Manager, born 1970): An Argentine football manager and former player, currently the manager of Atlético Madrid.
  • Diego Forlán (Footballer, born 1979): A retired Uruguayan footballer known for his successful international career and playing for clubs like Manchester United and Atlético Madrid.
  • Diego Schwartzman (Tennis Player, born 1992): An Argentine professional tennis player known for his achievements on the ATP Tour.
  • Diego Velázquez (Painter, 1599–1660): A Spanish painter who was the leading artist in the court of King Philip IV.
  • Diego Hargreeves ("The Umbrella Academy," 2019 TV Series): A vigilante superhero with the ability to curve the trajectory of anything he throws.
  • "Diego" (2009 Song by Jennifer Lopez): A pop song celebrating love and admiration.
  • Diego de la Vega ("Zorro," 1919 Novel by Johnston McCulley): A masked vigilante who defends the people of California against corrupt officials.
  • Diego Rivera ("Frida," 2002 Film): A famous Mexican painter and muralist known for his large frescoes and his tumultuous relationship with Frida Kahlo.
  • Diego ("Ice Age," 2002 Film Series): A saber-toothed tiger who becomes friends with Manny and Sid on their journey.
  • Diego Sanchez ("Dora the Explorer," 2000 TV Series): The adventurous cousin of Dora who helps animals in trouble.
  • Diego Maradona ("Diego Maradona," 2019 Documentary): Chronicles the life and career of the legendary Argentine soccer player.
  • Diego ("Go, Diego, Go!," 2005 TV Series): An animated series about Dora's cousin Diego who rescues animals and protects the environment.
  • Diego ("Diego's Day," 2006 Children's Book): A story about a young boy named Diego and his daily adventures.
  • Diego Montes ("Elite," 2018 TV Series): A character involved in the high-stakes drama and mystery at an elite private school.
  • San Diego City (California, USA): A major city known for its beaches, parks, and warm climate.
  • Diego Garcia (British Indian Ocean Territory): An atoll in the Indian Ocean, known for its strategic military base.
  • San Diego River (California, USA): A river flowing through San Diego County, known for its historical significance and recreational areas.
  • San Diego Bay (California, USA): A natural harbor and deepwater port, known for its naval presence and waterfront attractions.
  • Diego Martin (Trinidad and Tobago): A town and region known for its residential areas and natural beauty.
  • San Diego de los Baños (Pinar del Río, Cuba): A town known for its hot springs and health resorts.
  • San Diego Municipality (Carabobo, Venezuela): A municipality known for its cultural festivals and historical landmarks.
  • Diego de Almagro (Atacama, Chile): A city known for its mining industry and desert landscapes.

Similar Names to Diego