Diego

“Diego originates from the Spanish language and has roots in Latin as well”

Spain origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#135US 2023

2.7kBirths / yr

↓Falling

112.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 198700

How to pronounce Diego

dee·AY·goh

/diː.ˈeɪ.ɡoʊ/ · stress on AY · 3 syllables

“Diego originates from the Spanish language and has roots in Latin as well”

Spain origin · Unisex name

What does Diego mean and where does it come from?

Diego originates from the Spanish language and has roots in Latin as well. Historically, it has been a male name but has seen variations leading to its use as a female name in modern times. The name has many notable bearers, including the famous artist Diego Rivera and the popular cartoon character

Cultural significance

Diego has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spanish.

Peak popularity

Reached #6231 in 2004 — currently #135 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Diego?

Diego works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Diego Grace

How popular is Diego right now?

Declining — down 11 spots — currently #135 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#135 · Top 0.10%

1990

1995

2005

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#135	2,746	▼ down 11 · -7% births
2022	#124	2,968	▲ up 2 · +2% births
2021	#126	2,924	▲ up 10756 · +32389% births
2015	#10882	9	▼ down 735 · -10% births
2005	#10147	10	▲ up 419 · +43% births
1995	#10566	7	▲ up 893 · +17% births
1990	#11459	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Diego

Best Year2022Rank #124

Peak Count2,968

Average Rank#6206

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 20237 years

The story of Diego

Diego is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1987. More than 112,792 babies have been named Diego since 1987. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11459 in 1990 to #135 in 2023. Diego is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Diego in 2004:

Emily Emma Madison Olivia Hannah

Diego by decade

Diego peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1900s	5
1910s	112
1920s	197
1930s	188
1940s	224
1950s	349
1960s	635
1970s	1,248
1980s	3,905
1990s	13,509
2000s ★	56,139
2010s	33,391
2020s	2,885

What are good nicknames for Diego?

Common

DieDiegDiegieDiegy

What names sound and feel like Diego?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Diego also consider these

Portugal · Supplanter

Thiego

Brazil · A modern variant

Dieon

English · A beloved name

How is Diego written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Diego

What does the name Diego mean?

Diego means "Spanish" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Diego?

Diego is currently ranked #135 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Diego?

Diego originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Diego?

Diego is a three-syllable name pronounced D IY0 EY1 G OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Diego?

Diego pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spain heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.