StorkWorldstorkworld com

Benjamín vs Diego

Which is more popular?
Benjamín is more popular than Diego today: about 9,762 US babies were given the name Benjamín in 2025, compared with 2,351 named Diego.
BenjamínDiego
Meaning son of the right hand uncertain; linked to James/Didacus
Origin spanish spanish
Gender Boy Boy
Pronunciation ben-hah-MEEN dee-EH-go
Syllables 3 2
First appeared18801887
Peak year1989 (15,733)2006 (8,403)
In 20259,7622,351
TrendSteadyDeclining
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Benjamín Diego
18801900192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeBenjamínDiego
2020s 64,922 16,414
2010s 134,509 33,386
2000s 137,309 56,041
1990s 133,939 13,459
1980s 141,366 3,902
1970s 81,332 1,244
1960s 25,609 633
1950s 23,833 350
1940s 17,184 224
1930s 14,613 188
1920s 21,028 197
1910s 17,310 112
1900s 4,009 5
1890s 4,460 0
1880s 5,407 5

What does Benjamín mean?

The Spanish form of Benjamin, from the Hebrew Binyamin, 'son of the right hand' (ben 'son' + yamin 'right hand', implying the south, or favor and strength). In Genesis he is the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Is Benjamín or Diego more popular?

Benjamín is more popular than Diego today: about 9,762 US babies were given the name Benjamín in 2025, compared with 2,351 named Diego.

What is the difference between Benjamín and Diego?

Benjamín means son of the right hand (spanish origin), while Diego means uncertain; linked to James/Didacus (spanish origin).

Which name is older, Benjamín or Diego?

In US records, Benjamín first appears in 1880 and Diego in 1887, so Benjamín has the longer recorded history.