Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Diego
BoySpanish· “uncertain; possibly a form of James”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly a form of James (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Spanish
- Pronunciation
- dee-AY-goh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #158
- US babies 2025
- 2,351
- Best rank
- #56 (2006)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Diego
Diego is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly a form of James”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish roots.
Diego is a Spanish name whose origin is debated. One common explanation is that it arose from Santiago, Saint James, when Sant Yago was misheard as San Diego. Another links it to the medieval Latin Didacus, sometimes connected with a Greek word for teaching. Neither account is certain, so it is best described as uncertain. The name has been used in Spain for many centuries and is borne by the painter Diego Velazquez and the muralist Diego Rivera. It is warm, rhythmic and widely known across the Americas, and the city of San Diego keeps it familiar in the United States.
Popularity over time
Diego first appears in US Social Security records in 1887. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 65 different years, starting in 1887. Its best national rank was #56 in 2006, the same year it reached its highest count of 8,403 babies. In 2025, 2,351 babies were named Diego, and it ranked #158 nationally. That is 27% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,248 in 1920, #1,297 in 1950, #629 in 1980, #147 in 2000, #86 in 2010, and #158 in 2025. Of the 126,160 US boys named Diego since records began, 44% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 33,386 babies. Since 2010, 49,800 more have been named Diego.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Juan, Luis, Ian, Xavier, and Isaac.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Diego ranked highest in New Mexico, California, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #35 | 36 |
| California | #74 | 499 |
| Arizona | #76 | 100 |
| Texas | #83 | 476 |
| Florida | #115 | 186 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Diego is usually pronounced dee-AY-goh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with D and ends in “-go”.
Middle names for Diego
A few middle names that flow with Diego: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Diego
Similar names
Rodrigo Boy
rah-DREE-goh
“famous ruler” · Spanish
#492
Indigo Unisex
IN-dih-goh
“indigo dye; from India” · English
#854
Domingo Boy
doh-MEENG-goh
“Sunday; belonging to the Lord” · Spanish
#2,025
Santiago Boy
san-tee-AH-goh
“Saint James” · Spanish
#26
Lorenzo Boy
luh-REHN-zoh
“from Laurentum” · Italian
#117
Javier Boy
hahv-YEHR
“new house” · Spanish
#274
Eduardo Boy
ehd-WAHR-doh
“wealthy guardian” · Spanish
#410
Francisco Boy
fran-SIS-koh
“Frenchman” · Spanish
#322
Ricardo Boy
rih-KAHR-doh
“brave ruler” · Spanish
#380
Fernando Boy
fur-NAN-doh
“bold journey (from Ferdinand)” · Spanish
#387
Rafael Boy
rah-fy-EHL
“God has healed” · Hebrew
#218
Roberto Boy
roh-BEHR-toh
“bright fame” · Spanish
#570
Lists that include Diego
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Diego mean?
Diego is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly a form of James”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish roots.
What is the origin of the name Diego?
Diego has Spanish roots. Diego is a Spanish name whose origin is debated.
Is Diego a popular name?
Yes. Diego ranked #158 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Diego a boy or girl name?
Diego is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Diego?
Diego is usually pronounced dee-AY-goh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings