Dago

Dago is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. In some contexts, it derives from the Germanic element 'dag' meaning 'day,' appearing in names like Dagoberto. In Nordic traditions, it may connect to dagr, also meaning 'day.' The name has historical usage in Basque regions of Spain, where it might be a diminutive of Santiago. Unfortunately, in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, the term has historically been used as a derogatory slur against people of Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese descent, which has limited its usage as a given name. In its native contexts, however, Dago has the positive connotations of brightness and light associated with daytime.

Pronounced DAH-go.

As of October 2026, Dago ranked #8398 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #6170 in 2006.