Angela

“messenger”

Latin origin · Girl name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#255US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

↓Falling

669.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 1880🏆 47 years in top 1001.55% of births at peak

How to pronounce Angela

ANJ·ul·uh

/ˈændʒ.əl.ə/ · stress on ANJ · 3 syllables

“messenger”

Latin origin · Girl name

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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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

How popular is Angela right now?

Declining — down 29 spots — currently #255 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#255 · Top 0.19%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Angela

Best Year1975Rank #5

Peak Count24,927

Average Rank#163

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

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:

Jennifer Amy Michelle Heather Kimberly

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?

CROATIAN

Anđa

DUTCH

AngelienAngelinaLieke

ENGLISH

AngelinaAngieLina

FRENCH

Angeline

Famous people named Angela

Angela (Renaissance scholar)

Angela used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.

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 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Angela?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Angela also consider these

American · A beloved name

Andzela

Latin · A Latin name

How is Angela written in other languages?

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.