Diego

Supplanter (Spanish form of James) — a boy name of Spanish origin

GenderBoy
OriginSpanish
MeaningSupplanter (Spanish form of James)
Pronunciationdee-AY-goh

Popularity of Diego in the United States

#158Rank in 2025
2,351Births in 2025
#56 in 2006Peak Popularity
→ Stable10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Diego

Diego is the Spanish form of Santiago, which itself derives from Sant Iago, the Latin "Sanctus Iacobus," meaning "Saint James." It is one of the most beloved names throughout the Spanish-speaking world, carried by figures ranging from explorers to artists. Diego Velázquez and Diego Rivera stand among its many celebrated bearers, giving the name deep artistic and historical resonance.

Diego Around the World

Diego is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 39+ international variants.

Languages
ItalianSpanishDutch
Details

Female FormDiega

International Variants
DídacCatalan
YakupTurkish
YakovRussian
JamesEnglish
JacquesFrench
JaakkoFinnish
JakubPolish
JokūbasLithuanian
JaumeCatalan
Séamus
YakubArabic
Tiago
Iacopo
JacopoItalian
DiogoPortuguese
JimEnglish
SantiagoSpanish
JakobGerman
JacóPortuguese
JacobusLatin
GiacomoItalian
Jaco
JaccoDutch
SeamusIrish
Jacobo
Jämes
Thiago
Diagomultiple languages
DidacusLatin
JacobFinnish
Jakez
Jockel
Iacobus
JiminyEnglish
YaacovHebrew
DydakPolish
ChaimeAragonese
YacobDutch
DíaOld Spanish

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Diego

Yeyo

Famous People Named Diego

  • Diego Maradona — Argentine footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time
  • Diego Rivera — Mexican muralist
  • Diego Velázquez — Spanish Baroque painter

Similar Names to Diego

If you like Diego, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:Rafael

Sibling Name Ideas for Diego

Looking for names that pair well with Diego? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Diego mean?

Diego is a boy name of Spanish origin meaning "Supplanter (Spanish form of James)." Diego is the Spanish form of Santiago, which itself derives from Sant Iago, the Latin "Sanctus Iacobus," meaning "Saint James." It is one of the most beloved names throughout the Spanish-speaking world, carried by figures ranging from explorers to artists.

How do you pronounce Diego?

Diego is pronounced dee-AY-goh. Common variations include Santiago, Iago, Jago.

Is Diego a boy name?

Yes, Diego is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Yeyo.

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