Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Angela

The name Angela is derived from Church Latin as the feminine version of the boy’s name Angelus (meaning ‘angel’). The classical Greek word “angelos” means ‘messenger’ but it has acquired its full meaning (messenger of God, specifically) from the Bible (i.e., an angel). The name took off in Great Britain and the United Sates in the 18th century onwards, but Angela has been in use throughout Europe. As such, the name does not feel distinctly Italian, Spanish, Greek or English. It’s a rare example of a universal crossover name through its widespread adoption in many languages, cultures and geographies. Angela is currently a Top 30 name in Spain (based off 2009 data) while Angeliki is a Top 10 choice in Greece.

All About the Baby Name – Angela

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ANGELA

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME ANGELA

The name Angela enjoyed moderate usage at the turn of the 20th century more than 100 years ago. As the decades progressed into the mid-1900s, the name gained slow and steady usage. Angela finally achieved a spot on the Top 100 list of most favored girls’ names in 1956 and by the mid-1960s, Angela is a Top 10 choice. The height of the name’s popularity came between 1974 and 1977; in those four years, Angela was the #5 most used girl’s name in America. The name has slipped in popularity in the past 30 years and 2003 marked the first time in nearly 50 years when Angela did not maintain a Top 100 spot. The name is not as popular as the more elaborate Angelina which just surpassed Angela in usage in 2002.

Quick Facts

ON ANGELA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

196

PRONUNCIATION:

AN-jәl-ә or AHN-he-lah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Angel, messenger of God

Characteristics

OF ANGELA

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Angela

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ANGELA

Angela is the title character of Frank McCourt’s 1996 memoir, Angela’s Ashes, a fierce Irish mother whose determination in the face of overwhelming poverty and oppression allows her (living) children to make a better life for themselves. Married to a criminally negligent unemployable alcoholic, bearing seven children, three of whom die in childhood, existing at sub-poverty levels on the streets of Limerick, and enduring the condescending charity of the Catholic Church, it is a wonder that this woman made it past her forties. That she did, and did so with gumption and even with humor, is a testament to the celestial quality of her name – she is, indeed, “angelic”.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ANGELA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Angela


Popular Songs

ON ANGELA

Angela
a song by Missy Higgins

Famous People

NAMED ANGELA

Angela Merkel (Chancellor of Germany)
Angela Alioto (politician)
Angela Bassett (actress)
Angela Davis (activist)
Angela Gheorghiu (opera diva)
Ángela Gurría (Mexican sculptor)
Angela Kinsey (actress)
Angela Lansbury (actress)
Angela Lanza (singer)
Angela Lindvall (supermodel)
Angela Merici (Catholic saint)
Ángela Molina (Spanish actress)
Angela Via (singer)
Angela Merkel (Chancellor of Germany)
Angela Alioto (politician)
Angela Bassett (actress)
Angela Davis (activist)
Angela Gheorghiu (opera diva)
Ángela Gurría (Mexican sculptor)
Angela Kinsey (actress)
Angela Lansbury (actress)
Angela Lanza (singer)
Angela Lindvall (supermodel)
Angela Merici (Catholic saint)
Ángela Molina (Spanish actress)
Angela Via (singer)
Angela Merkel (Chancellor of Germany)
Angela Alioto (politician)
Angela Bassett (actress)
Angela Davis (activist)
Angela Gheorghiu (opera diva)
Ángela Gurría (Mexican sculptor)
Angela Kinsey (actress)
Angela Lansbury (actress)
Angela Lanza (singer)
Angela Lindvall (supermodel)
Angela Merici (Catholic saint)
Ángela Molina (Spanish actress)
Angela Via (singer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ANGELA

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ANGELA

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