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Angela

♀ Girl

Pronounced AN-jeh-lah /ˈæn.dʒɪ.lə/High

Meaning: Feminine form of Angelus, from Latin angelus and Greek angelos meaning messenger; in Christian tradition specifically a messenger of GodHigh

In 30 seconds: Angela is a luminous Latin-Greek name meaning 'messenger of God,' a name that has been borne by saints, chancellors, and comedians alike — enduringly warm and universally loved.
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Origin HighLatin, Greek
MeaningFeminine form of Angelus, from Latin angelus and Greek angelos meaning messenger; in Christian tradition specifically a messenger of God
U.S. rank (2025)#408 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births765 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1971
Total births (all-time)≈ 673,245

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197118802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Angela is the feminine form of the Latin Angelus, from Greek angelos meaning messenger. In early Christian Latin it specifically meant a messenger of God. The name has been borne by several saints.

Angela has been popular in English-speaking countries throughout the 20th century, with a peak in the United States in the 1960s–80s. It remains a warm, approachable classic.

Did you know? Angela Merkel, the first female Chancellor of Germany and one of the most powerful politicians of the 21st century, gave the name a 16-year association with steady, unflappable leadership.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Angela — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AngelicaAngelinaAngel

Nicknames

AngieAngelGela

Famous Bearers

  • ★Angela Merkel (1954–present)
    German politician who served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021, the longest-serving leader in EU history.
  • ★Angela Bassett (1958–present)
    American actress, Golden Globe winner known for What's Love Got to Do with It.

If you like Angela…

Angelica— the elaborated form sharing the same angelic root and similar vintage warmth
Adriana— shares the flowing three-syllable Romance-language femininity
Veronica— another Latin saint's name with the same warm, classic mid-century character
Pamela— shares the generous three-syllable feel and the same American-classic generation

Frequently Asked

What does the name Angela mean?

Angela means messenger of God or angel, from the Latin angelus and Greek angelos.

How do you pronounce Angela?

It is said AN-jeh-lah /ˈæn.dʒɪ.lə/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Angela still popular?

Angela peaked in the mid-20th century in the U.S. and remains a well-known classic with warm, timeless appeal.

What are nicknames for Angela?

Popular nicknames include Angie, Angel, and Gela.