Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Angel

Ángel is a popular Spanish boy’s name, but Angel is also used among English-speakers for baby girls from time to time, making this one a unisex choice. In Spanish-speaking countries, however, Ángel is decidedly masculine. The word is ultimately derived from the Greek “angelos” (αγγελος) meaning “messenger” or “one who announces”. Eventually the word acquired its full meaning from the Bible (i.e., specifically a “messenger” of God). As a masculine given name, usage of the Latin Angelus dates back to the Middle Ages. As a female name, Angel is much more modern and common among native English speakers (although it’s used on baby girls in the Netherlands as well). Ángel remains an extremely popular boys name in Spain, Chile and Puerto Rico, and it ranks high in Catalonia as well (where it’s rendered as Àngel with the accent mark going the opposite direction). As a baby girl’s name, Angel does moderately well in both England and the United States, but in America Ángel is far more common for boys. In fact, among Hispanic-Americans, Ángel is the #1 choice for little niños (beating out José and Xavier). The masculine Ángel is most popular in the states with a high concentration of Hispanic-Americans – particularly in Nevada, California and Texas (but also New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, New York and New Jersey). Although Angel is also bestowed on baby girls in the United States, it’s 5x more common for boys.

All About the Baby Name – Angel

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME ANGEL

The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME ANGEL

The high-ranking status of the male name Ángel (pronounced AHN-hayl) in America has mainly been spurred on by the growing Latino population (as evidenced by the states where this name sees most of his popularity). Parents are more likely to name their daughters Angelina or Angela before Angel (pronounced AYN-jәl). For instance, about 7,000 baby boys were given the name Ángel in 2012 while only about 1,400 baby girls can claim the same that year. Ángel dates back to the late 19th century on the U.S. masculine naming charts, but only first appeared on the female naming charts in the 1950s. Angel got close to Top 100 status on the girl’s chart when she reached her highest position ever at #104 in 2001. Ángel’s highest point on the boy’s chart was #31 (2006). The name is slipping in popularity for both genders right now, but ever so slightly. It’s still going strong and widely considered gender neutral in America. It’s hard to argue a name like “Angel” for one’s baby – a very loving choice!

Quick Facts

ON ANGEL

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

67

PRONUNCIATION:

AHN-heyl (Spanish); AYN-jəl (English)

SIMPLE MEANING:

Messenger of God; angelic (pure, virtuous, innocent)

Characteristics

OF ANGEL

Communicative

Creative

Optimistic

Popular

Social

Dramatic

Happy

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Angel

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ANGEL

Angel Clare is Tess’s husband and true love in the 1891 Thomas Hardy novel “Tess of the D’Urbervilles.” A freethinking rebellion, he rejects the conformist route of Cambridge University like his brothers and sticks to farming. He strives toward personal goodness and the nobility of man. Part of that includes him falling in love with Tess, a mere milkmaid and his social inferior. However, his notions of morality turn out to be conventional: he rejects Tess on their wedding night when she confesses that she isn't a virgin, even though he isn’t either. Eventually he is brought down to earth where his moral system is readjusted and realizes he’s been unfair to Tess. Ironically, it is not the angel who guides the human in this novel, but the human who instructs the angel, although at the cost of her own life.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ANGEL

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Angel


Popular Songs

ON ANGEL

Angel
a song by Eurythmics

American Angel
a song by George Michael

Afro Angel
a song by Will Smith

A Sinner Kissed an Angel
a song by Frank Sinatra

Heather Angel
a song by Sonic Youth

Oscar the Angel
a song by Randy Travis

Angel, Angelina
a song by George Strait

Famous People

NAMED ANGEL

Ángel (rapper)
Ángel (rapper)
Ángel (rapper)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ANGEL

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Angel

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ANGEL

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Angel