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Diego

♂ Boy

Pronounced dee-AY-goh /diˈeɪ.ɡoʊ/High

Meaning: Spanish form of James/Jacob, from Hebrew <em>Ya'aqov</em> meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel'High

In 30 seconds: A bold Spanish classic, Diego is the Iberian form of James/Jacob, carrying the Hebrew meaning 'supplanter.' From the patron saint of Spain to Frida Kahlo's husband Diego Rivera, it's packed with cultural power.
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Origin HighSpanish, Hebrew
MeaningSpanish form of James/Jacob, from Hebrew <em>Ya'aqov</em> meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel'
Peak year2006
Total births (all-time)≈ 103,792

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200618872017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Diego is a Spanish name whose link to James/Jacob comes via a complex path. The most accepted theory is that Diego is a contracted form of Jaime or derives from Didacus, a Latinized form of the Greek Didache (teaching). Some scholars link it directly to Santiago (Saint James). Through James, it ultimately traces to the Hebrew Ya'aqov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter' or 'heel-catcher.'

Diego has been a beloved name across Spain and Latin America for centuries, borne by saints, conquistadors, and artists. In the U.S., it has been a consistent top-100 boys' name, deeply embedded in Hispanic naming traditions. The painter Diego Rivera and soccer star Diego Maradona are among its most famous modern bearers.

Did you know? Santiago (Saint James) — whose shrine at Santiago de Compostela is one of the world's great pilgrimage destinations — is a compound of Sant (saint) and Yago, an older Spanish form of Diego.

Variations

SantiagoJaimeIago

Nicknames

Diegito

Famous Bearers

  • ★Diego Rivera (1886–1957)
    Mexican muralist painter and husband of Frida Kahlo.
  • ★Diego Maradona (1960–2020)
    Argentine football (soccer) legend, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

If you like Diego…

Mateo— popular Spanish/Italian name with the same warm three-syllable flow
Luis— another top Spanish classic with deep cultural roots
Carlos— straightforward Spanish classic popular across generations
Emiliano— grand Spanish/Italian name equally rich in history

Frequently Asked

What does the name Diego mean?

Diego is a Spanish form related to James/Jacob, ultimately from the Hebrew <em>Ya'aqov</em> meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.'

How do you pronounce Diego?

Diego is pronounced dee-AY-goh /diˈeɪ.ɡoʊ/ — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Diego a boy or girl name?

Diego is a masculine name. The feminine equivalent is Diega, though this is rarely used.

How popular is Diego?

Diego is a consistent U.S. top-100 boys' name, particularly popular in Hispanic communities.