Diego is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the ancient Visigothic given name "Didacus." This name was borne by Saint Didacus (also known as San Diego de Alcalá), who was canonized in 1498 and is the patron saint of the first Christian settlement in California, which is how the city of San Diego got its name.
The name Diego has gained popularity worldwide over time. It means "supplanter" or "to substitute," which comes from the Spanish word "diego," meaning "he who substitutes." This meaning reflects the idea of someone who replaces or succeeds another in some capacity, perhaps symbolizing strength and resilience.
In terms of history, the name Diego has been carried by notable figures throughout the centuries. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Mexican painter Diego Rivera (1886-1957), known for his large-scale murals depicting historical and political events. Another prominent figure is Portuguese explorer Diego Álvares Cabral (c. 1460s-1526), who was the first European to reach the Brazilian coast.
Diego has been consistently popular as a given name in Spain, Latin America, and other Spanish-speaking communities around the world. In recent years, it has also gained popularity in English-speaking countries like the United States and England due to its appealing sound and Spanish heritage. Although its usage may vary depending on cultural context, Diego remains a strong and enduring name with deep roots in history and tradition.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Diego in the United States from 1987 to 2023, we can observe several trends:
* The number of babies named Diego has varied over the years, with a range of 5 to 20 births per year.
* There have been peaks in popularity during certain periods:
+ From 1993 to 1994, there were consistently high numbers of births (10, 9, and 7 respectively).
+ The peak occurred between 2003 and 2007, with a total of 84 births during these years.
* However, since 2011, the number of babies named Diego has been decreasing, with fewer than 10 births per year, except for 2015 when it reached 9 births.
* Overall, from 1987 to 2023, there have been a total of 239 babies named Diego born in the United States.