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Diego

Boy name · 69 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Diego: 69 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 9 births in 2024.

Diego is the Spanish form of Santiago, which itself derives from the Latin *Sanctus Iacobus*—Saint James. The name ultimately traces back to the Hebrew *Ya'akov*, meaning "supplanter" or "holder of the heel." The most famous bearer is the Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, whose dazzling skill made the name iconic worldwide. Another celebrated Diego is the Mexican painter Diego Rivera, known for his monumental murals. The name also belongs to the 15th-century Spanish saint Diego de Alcalá. The city of San Diego in California was named after the saint, giving the name a sunny, coastal association. A notable variant is the Portuguese Diogo, while the name's connection to Saint James links it to the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.