Origin & Meaning of the Diego Surname
What does the last name Diego mean?
The surname Diego carries the meaning "Of or from." It is derived from the Italian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 6,141 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Diego ranks as the #5,651 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Diego come from?
The Diego surname has its roots in Italian heritage. Names of Italian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Diego name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Diego trace back to Italian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Diego |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from |
| Origin | Italian |
| Language | Italian |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,651 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,141 |
| Per 100K People | 2.08 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Diego
According to the US Census, the Diego surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,141 Americans with the Diego last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 8.5% |
| Black | 2.46% |
| Hispanic | 79.19% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 7.64% |
| Native American | 0.41% |
| Two or More Races | 1.81% |
Popularity of Diego Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Diego surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Diego surname increased by 2,277 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Diego Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Diego ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Diego Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Diego Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Diego
- ✓ The Diego coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Diego families live today
- ✓ Notable Diego bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Diego
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Diego.
Other Italian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Italian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Italian origin as Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diego
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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