Diego
Diego first appears in US records in 1887. It peaked in 2006, when 8,403 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 2,351.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Diego popular?
Declining Diego is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2006 peak.
| 2020s | 16,414 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 33,386 | |
| 2000s | 56,041 | |
| 1990s | 13,459 | |
| 1980s | 3,902 | |
| 1970s | 1,244 | |
| 1960s | 633 | |
| 1950s | 350 | |
| 1940s | 224 | |
| 1930s | 188 | |
| 1920s | 197 | |
| 1910s | 112 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1880s | 5 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Diego mean?
A Spanish name of genuinely disputed origin. Traditionally explained as a short form of Santiago (Sant-Yago, 'Saint James', from Hebrew Jacob), but many scholars now derive it instead from the Latin Didacus — itself possibly from the Greek didache 'teaching'. The two theories remain unresolved, so any single 'meaning' should be treated with caution.
Variants & spellings
- Diago
Names like Diego
spanish names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Diego
Popular spanish names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Diego
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Diego mean?
Diego means uncertain; linked to James/Didacus. A Spanish name of genuinely disputed origin. Traditionally explained as a short form of Santiago (Sant-Yago, 'Saint James', from Hebrew Jacob), but many scholars now derive it instead from the Latin Didacus — itself possibly from the Greek didache 'teaching'. The two theories remain unresolved, so any single 'meaning' should be treated with caution.
What is the origin of the name Diego?
Diego is of spanish origin.
How do you pronounce Diego?
Diego is pronounced “dee-EH-go.”
Is Diego a boy or a girl name?
Diego is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Diego a popular name right now?
Diego is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2006 peak.
How popular is the name Diego?
In 2025, Diego ranked #158 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Diego most popular?
Diego was most popular in 2006, when about 8,403 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Diego?
Names similar to Diego include Santiago, Sebastián, Thiago, Mateo, Angel.
What names go well with Diego?
spanish names that pair well with Diego include Linda, Benjamín, Mía, Angel, Mateo.