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Evangeline

♀ Girl

Pronounced ee-VAN-juh-line /ɪˈvæn.dʒə.laɪn/High

Meaning: Bearer of good news; from Greek euangelion (good news, gospel): eu (good) + angelos (messenger)High

In 30 seconds: A luminous Greek name meaning 'bearer of good news.' Poetic and four syllables long, it was immortalized by Longfellow's epic poem Evangeline (1847) and carries a romantic, literary air.
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Origin HighGreek, Latin
MeaningBearer of good news; from Greek euangelion (good news, gospel): eu (good) + angelos (messenger)
Peak year2016
Total births (all-time)≈ 25,503

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201618812017

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

History & Origin

Evangeline derives from the Greek εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion), meaning 'good news' or 'gospel,' composed of eu ('good') and angelos ('messenger'). The word became the root of the English words 'evangelist' and 'evangelical.' The name was coined or popularized in the 19th century, chiefly through Longfellow's 1847 narrative poem.

Evangeline remained a relatively uncommon but romantic name through the 20th century. It has risen sharply in the 2010s and 2020s as parents rediscovered long, elegant Victorian names. It entered the U.S. top 200 girls' names in the 2010s and continues climbing. The actress Evangeline Lilly (of Lost and Marvel fame) has contributed to its visibility.

Did you know? Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie (1847) tells of the Acadian expulsion from Nova Scotia — and made the name Evangeline a byword for faithful, enduring love.

Variations

EvangelinaEvangeliaEva

Nicknames

EvaEvieAngieLina

Famous Bearers

  • Evangeline Lilly (b. 1979)
    Canadian actress known for <em>Lost</em> and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

If you like Evangeline…

Eleanor— long elegant vintage-revival classic with a similar literary feel
Valentina— four-syllable romantic classic in the same elevated register
Arabella— long, melodic vintage name enjoying the same revival

Frequently Asked

What does the name Evangeline mean?

Evangeline means 'bearer of good news' or 'gospel,' from Greek eu (good) and angelos (messenger).

How do you pronounce Evangeline?

Evangeline is pronounced ee-VAN-juh-line (/ɪˈvæn.dʒə.laɪn/) — four syllables with stress on the second.

Is Evangeline a boy or girl name?

Evangeline is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Evangeline?

Evangeline has been climbing the U.S. charts since the 2010s and is now in the top 200 girls' names.