What does Angela mean and where does it come from?
Angela is derived from the Latin word 'angelus' which means 'angel' or 'messenger'. The name has been popular in various cultures, particularly in Italy and Spanish-speaking countries. It has been widely used since the early 20th century and remains a common name today. Notable figures include Angel
Cultural significance
Angela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of messenger.
Peak popularity
Reached #5 in 1974 — currently #255 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Angela?
Angela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Angela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Angela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Angela Mae
Sweet · timeless
Angela Claire
French influence · crisp
Angela Jane
Literary · strong
Angela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Angela right now?
Declining — down 29 spots — currently #255 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #255 | 1,213 | ▼ down 29 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #226 | 1,321 | ▲ up 9 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #235 | 1,282 | ▲ up 16 · +8% births |
| 2020 | #251 | 1,182 | ▼ down 31 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #220 | 1,487 | ▼ down 60 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #160 | 1,914 | ▼ down 46 · -34% births |
| 2005 | #114 | 2,893 | ▼ down 35 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #79 | 3,826 | ▲ up 6 · -7% births |
| 1995 | #85 | 4,118 | ▼ down 33 · -38% births |
| 1990 | #52 | 6,664 | ▼ down 21 · -35% births |
| 1985 | #31 | 10,226 | ▼ down 19 · -43% births |
| 1980 | #12 | 17,971 | ▼ down 7 · -23% births |
| 1975 | #5 | 23,360 | ▲ up 1 · -6% births |
| 1970 | #6 | 24,927 | ▲ up 4 · +33% births |
| 1965 | #10 | 18,749 | — |
The story of Angela
Angela has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #5 in 1974, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 670K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #683 in 1880 to #255 in 2023. Angela is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Angela in 1974:
Angela by decade
Angela peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 232 | |
| 1890s | 671 | |
| 1900s | 1,400 | |
| 1910s | 5,523 | |
| 1920s | 6,341 | |
| 1930s | 6,553 | |
| 1940s | 12,297 | |
| 1950s | 40,453 | |
| 1960s | 159,667 | |
| 1970s ★ | 226,014 | |
| 1980s | 117,075 | |
| 1990s | 45,300 | |
| 2000s | 31,382 | |
| 2010s | 15,455 | |
| 2020s | 1,182 | |
What are good nicknames for Angela?
DUTCH
AngelienAngelinaLieke
Famous people named Angela
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Angela (Renaissance scholar)
Angela used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
A(
Angela (historical Roman figure)
Angela carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Angela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Angela also consider these
How is Angela written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Angela?
Common questions about the name Angela
What does the name Angela mean?
Angela means "messenger" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Angela?
Angela is currently ranked #255 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Angela?
Angela originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Angela?
Angela is a three-syllable name pronounced AE1 N JH AH0 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Angela?
Angela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.