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Angelica

♀ Girl

Pronounced an-JEL-ih-kah /ænˈdʒɛl.ɪ.kə/High

Meaning: From the Latin angelicus meaning 'angelic,' derived from Greek angelos (ἄγγελος) meaning 'messenger'; used in Christian tradition to describe one who is like an angelHigh

In 30 seconds: Angelica is a lush, romantic name with clear angelic meaning. Grand enough for a medieval heroine or a Renaissance painting, it also has a playful side — most famously as the bossy toddler in Rugrats.
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Origin HighLatin, Greek
MeaningFrom the Latin angelicus meaning 'angelic,' derived from Greek angelos (ἄγγελος) meaning 'messenger'; used in Christian tradition to describe one who is like an angel
U.S. rank (2025)#708 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births398 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1996
Total births (all-time)≈ 93,206

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199618922025

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

History & Origin

Angelica derives from the Latin angelicus meaning 'angelic.' It has been used as a given name in Italy, Spain, and across Catholic Europe since the Renaissance. It appears in Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene and Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando Furioso, giving it a strong literary pedigree.

Angelica was popular in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s, partly through its romantic sound and partly through the animated character Angelica Pickles from the beloved TV show Rugrats. It remains in regular use, appreciated for its flowing four-syllable elegance.

Did you know? Angelica is also the name of a tall aromatic plant (Angelica archangelica) used in herbal medicine and liqueur production for centuries. The plant was named for its supposed angelic healing properties, giving the name an unexpected botanical dimension.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Angelica — etymology and literary historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AngelaAngelikaAngelique

Nicknames

AngieAngelGellieIca

Famous Bearers

  • ★Anjelica Huston (1951–present)
    American actress and director, daughter of director John Huston; Academy Award winner for Prizzi's Honor.

If you like Angelica…

Angelina— shares the angelic Latin root and the same flowing four-syllable romantic quality
Celestia— similarly celestial and grand with a heavenly meaning and lush sound
Serena— shares the serene, gentle elegance and Italian Renaissance name heritage
Valentina— parallel four-syllable Latin romantic name with the same classic feminine grandeur

Frequently Asked

What does the name Angelica mean?

Angelica means 'angelic' or 'like an angel,' from the Latin angelicus, ultimately from Greek angelos meaning 'messenger.'

How do you pronounce Angelica?

Angelica is pronounced an-JEL-ih-kah /ænˈdʒɛl.ɪ.kə/ — four syllables with stress on the second.

Is Angelica a popular name?

Angelica was most popular in the U.S. in the 1980s and 1990s. It remains a recognizable classic with a romantic, timeless feel.

What famous characters are named Angelica?

Angelica Pickles from the animated show Rugrats is the most famous American pop culture bearer. Angelica also appears in Renaissance epics by Ariosto and Spenser.