The name Iago is of Spanish origin and it has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Basque word "Eägo," which means "the one who will be famous" or "the one who will add fame." This name was popularized by the character Iago in William Shakespeare's play "Othello," where he serves as Othello's ensign. Despite its popularity, it is important to note that this name has no direct relation to the biblical figure of Jacob.
In Spain and Latin America, Iago is often used as a male given name, while it may be less common in other parts of the world. However, it has gained some recognition internationally due to its association with Shakespeare's work and its unique sound. It is a unisex name, meaning it can be used for both boys and girls.
The name Iago does not have any specific saint or religious figure associated with it, nor are there any popular cultural references beyond Shakespeare's play. Its meaning of "the one who will be famous" suggests that it could be chosen by parents who wish to instill a sense of ambition and drive in their child. Ultimately, the name Iago is an interesting choice for those looking for a distinctive and meaningful name with a historical background.
The name Iago has seen a steady but modest presence in the United States over the past two decades. Between 2002 and 2023, there have been a total of 85 babies named Iago born in the U.S., with an average of about 4 births per year during this period.
The name's popularity has fluctuated slightly from year to year. The highest number of births in any given year was in 2022, with 10 newborns named Iago. Conversely, there were only 5 births each in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011, and 2015.
It is worth noting that the name Iago has not ranked among the top 1000 most popular boys' names in the U.S. since records began being kept in the late 1800s. This suggests that while it may be less common than some other names, it still holds a unique and distinct place among American baby names.
In recent years, there has been a slight uptick in the number of babies named Iago, with births rising from 5 in 2020 to 7 in 2021, and then peaking at 10 in 2022. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues or if the name's popularity stabilizes at its current level.
In conclusion, while not exceptionally common, the name Iago has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the United States over the past twenty years. Its unique spelling and sound contribute to its distinctive identity within the American naming landscape.