Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Diego is a Spanish name with roots tracing back to the Latin 'Didacus' and the Greek word for 'educator'. It generally means 'supplanter' or 'teacher'. The name has evolved through history and gained popularity in Spain during the Middle Ages. Today, it is viewed positively and is often associated with notable figures in art and sports.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/diˈeɪɡoʊ/
Origin
Spanish
Etymology
The name Diego is believed to have originated from the Latin name 'Didacus', which is thought to be derived from the Greek word 'didaktikos', meaning 'educator' or 'teacher'.
Meaning
supplanter, teacher
Language Evolution
Didacus, Diego
Historical Usage
Diego gained popularity in Spain during the Middle Ages, particularly due to the influence of Saint James (Santiago in Spanish), the patron saint of Spain.
Variants & Derivatives
Dieguito, Dieguito, Dago
Modern Popularity & Image
Diego is currently a popular name in Spanish-speaking countries and is often associated with creativity and charisma.
Famous People
Diego Rivera, Diego Maradona, Diego Costa
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 8,423 peak births in 2006
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1931st of 7545 | 266 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1577th of 6773 | 361 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1232nd of 7552 | 730 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 773rd of 10718 | 1,790 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 331st of 16616 | 11,156 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 92nd of 24088 | 73,926 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 128th of 23106 | 35,555 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 12734th of 27321 | 59 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 10998th of 35406 | 136 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 16495th of 30306 | 44 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
75.34% 1039th/1379 |
58.66% 1388th/2366 |
79.77% 911th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
54.56% 849th/1556 |
50.79% 1195th/2353 |
51.45% 796th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
33.33% 810th/2430 |
36.73% 1048th/2853 |
29.95% 831st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
35.85% 1053rd/2937 |
17.34% 604th/3483 |
24.05% 846th/3518 |
12.54% 507th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
15.85% 584th/3685 |
9.39% 420th/4475 |
7.78% 404th/5194 |
3.18% 201st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.40% 156th/4582 |
3.21% 166th/5164 |
1.29% 94th/7313 |
0.62% 46th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
6.25% 249th/3984 |
4.99% 224th/4487 |
1.79% 122nd/6822 |
1.29% 81st/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
79.59% 5028th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
70.95% 5295th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Nevada across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1931st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1577th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1232nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 773rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 331st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 92nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 128th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12734th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10998th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 16495th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.