What Does the Name Diego Mean?
Diego is a boy's name of Spanish origin meaning “supplanter (traditionally linked to James/Jacob).”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Diego |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Meaning | supplanter (traditionally linked to James/Jacob) |
| Variants | Diogo, Santiago, Tiago, Jaime |
| Popularity | A top boys' name in Spanish-speaking countries and consistently popular in the US, frequently appearing in the top 150. |
The meaning and origin of Diego
The name Diego means “supplanter (traditionally linked to James/Jacob)” and has Spanish origins. Diego is a Spanish name traditionally associated with Saint James (Santiago) and sometimes derived from the Latin Didacus. It has been borne by notable figures including painter Diego Velazquez and footballer Diego Maradona.
Variants and related names
Diego is related to several other names you may recognize: Diogo, Santiago, Tiago, Jaime. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Diego?
A top boys' name in Spanish-speaking countries and consistently popular in the US, frequently appearing in the top 150.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Diego mean?+
The name Diego means “supplanter (traditionally linked to James/Jacob)” and is of Spanish origin.
What is the origin of the name Diego?+
Diego originates from Spanish.
Is Diego a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Diego has trended in the US over time.
Diego by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press