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Last Name Diogo

What is the origin of the last name Diogo?

The surname "Diogo" has origins in various Portuguese-speaking countries, including Portugal and Brazil. It is derived from the given name "Diogo," which is the Portuguese form of the name James or Jacob, and was brought to these regions by early Christian settlers. In the Middle Ages, it was a common name among Portuguese nobility, and later spread throughout the country and its colonies as more people adopted family names. The name remains popular in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Diogo

The meaning and origin of the last name Diogo

The surname Diogo is primarily of Portuguese origin, derived from the given name Diego, which has roots in Old Spanish, Germanic, and Visigothic languages. The name, in all its variations (Diogo, Diego, Teodorico, Teodoricus), is believed to have originated from the Greek name 'Theodoros' or 'Theodorus', meaning 'gift of God'. The name was carried by several notable figures throughout history, including St. James the Greater, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The spread of this surname can be traced to Portuguese colonization and immigration waves from the 15th century onwards, as many individuals bearing this name settled in different parts of the world, particularly South America, Africa, and North America. Today, the Diogo surname is common among Portuguese-speaking communities, with notable bearers including Diogo de Azambuja, a renowned Portuguese explorer of the 16th century, and Diogo Alves, a contemporary Portuguese footballer.

Geographical distribution of the last name Diogo

The surname Diogo has its origins in Portugal, where it is among the top 200 most common last names, according to Portuguese statistical data. Its prevalence is particularly noticeable in the northern regions, such as Minho, Braga, and Porto districts, which are historically associated with the Portuguese Galician-Portuguese culture. Additionally, a significant number of individuals with the surname Diogo can be found in Brazil, due to the Portuguese colonization and subsequent migration. The name is also present in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe, as well as Goa (India), where there is a significant population of people of Portuguese descent. In conclusion, while Diogo is predominantly found in Portugal and its former colonies, it has also spread to other regions with a Portuguese-speaking population.

Variants and spellings of the last name Diogo

The surname Diogo has various spellings and variations. Some common ways to write this name include: Diogo, Diego, Dias, Deigo, Deygo, and Deygoo. These variations often arise due to differences in language, regional spelling conventions, or individual preference. For instance, the name can be found with slight modifications in Portuguese (Diogo), Spanish (Diego), and English (Deigo). In some cases, it might also have been phonetically transcribed from these languages into other writing systems, leading to additional variations such as Dias, Deygo, or Deygoo. It is essential to remember that the correct spelling of any name can depend on its cultural and linguistic context.

Famous people with the last name Diogo

Notable individuals with the surname Diogo include: Diogo Morgado (1980-), a Portuguese actor best known for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in the television miniseries, "The Bible". Diogo César (1987-), a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for FC Porto and the Brazil national team. Diogo Dalot (1998-), a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a right back for Manchester United and the Portugal national team. Diogo Mateus Freitas do Nascimento, commonly known as Diogo Nascimento or simply Diogo (1990-), a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Alanyaspor and the Brazil national team. Diogo Seguro (1978-), a Portuguese comedian, actor, and television presenter, known for his work on the Portuguese sketch comedy show "Aqui Não Há Quantos".

Genealogical research on the last name Diogo

The surname Diogo is primarily of Portuguese origin, derived from the given name Diego, which is a variant of James, a Biblical name believed to mean "supplanter" or "disposer." The name is prevalent in Portugal and Brazil, with the earliest records of the surname dating back to medieval times. In Portugal, Diogo was first recorded in the 13th century, with early bearers such as Rui Diogo, a knight who lived during the reign of King Sancho II (1279-1295). The name also appears frequently in historical records from the Algarve region. In Brazil, Diogo is one of the most common surnames, due to the large number of Portuguese immigrants in the 16th and 17th centuries. Notable individuals with the surname Diogo include the poet and writer Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935) from Portugal, and the Brazilian footballer Kaká (Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, born 1982). Genealogical research of the surname Diogo continues to uncover its rich history and the contributions of its many bearers throughout Portugal and Brazil.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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