All about the name

Deigo

Male

« Diego is of Spanish origin, derived from Santiago meaning 'supplanter', and gained fame through Cervantes' Don Quixote. »

#22012 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Diego is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the given name Santiago. It means "supplanter" or "to replace." The name Santiago has its roots in the Basque country and was initially used as a surname. Over time, it became more popular as a given name. The name Diego gained popularity during the Middle Ages due to the influence of Saint James (Santiago), who is said to have visited Spain after his death. As a result, many places were named after him, including the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. In literature, Diego was made famous by Miguel de Cervantes' novel "Don Quixote," where he appears as one of the main characters. This exposure helped to popularize the name further throughout Europe and beyond. Today, Diego is considered a classic yet stylish choice for a boy's name. It has been used consistently over time but experienced a resurgence in popularity during the late 20th century. According to the Social Security Administration, it ranked among the top 150 most popular names for boys in the United States from 1970 to present day. Although it shares some similarities with other names like Diego Maradona (an Argentine footballer), there is no specific historical figure or famous person who has significantly influenced its popularity. Instead, Diego stands on its own as a strong and attractive name option due to its rich history and appealing sound.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Deigo since 1880

Total births
226
Total since 1880
Peak year
2005
24 births
in 2019
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-71%
vs previous 5 years