Angela

Angel, messenger — a girl name of Greek/Latin origin

GenderGirl
MeaningAngel, messenger
PronunciationAN-juh-luh

Popularity of Angela in the United States

#408Rank in 2025
765Births in 2025
#5 in 1974Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Angela

Angela is the feminine form of Angelus, the Latinized version of the Greek angelos, meaning "messenger" or "angel." The name has strong ties to Christian tradition, honoring Saint Angela Merici, founder of the Ursuline order dedicated to educating young women. It surged to enormous popularity in the mid-20th century United States, peaking in the 1970s, and though its usage has cooled since, it remains instantly recognizable thanks to prominent figures like former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Angela Around the World

Angela is used in 7 languages worldwide, with 25+ international variants.

Languages
FrenchItalianEnglishDutchRomanianSloveneGreek
Details

Male FormAngelo

International Variants
AngelEnglish
AngèleFrench
AngelicaItalian
Anjelica
ÁngelesSpanish
AngeliqueFrench
AngelikaPolish
AngelėLithuanian
AnielaPolish
AngélicaSpanish
AngéliqueFrench
Anjela
ÀngelaCatalan
AnžhelaBelarusian
Angelca
Angelia
Angéla
Anděla
AngiolaItalian
AnnelaEstonian
AnželaEstonian
AnzhelaRussian
AngelaGreek
GrunlesShelta
AngellaJamaican Patois

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Angela

AngieAnge

Famous People Named Angela

  • Angela Merkel — former Chancellor of Germany
  • Angela Bassett — American actress
  • Angela Lansbury — British-American actress

Similar Names to Angela

If you like Angela, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:AngelicaPamelaMichaela

Sibling Name Ideas for Angela

Looking for names that pair well with Angela? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Angela mean?

Angela is a girl name of Greek/Latin origin meaning "Angel, messenger." Angela is the feminine form of Angelus, the Latinized version of the Greek angelos, meaning "messenger" or "angel." The name has strong ties to Christian tradition, honoring Saint Angela Merici, founder of the Ursuline order dedicated to educating young women.

How do you pronounce Angela?

Angela is pronounced AN-juh-luh. Common variations include Angelina, Angelique, Angeline.

Is Angela a girl name?

Yes, Angela is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Angie, Ange.

Need More Name Ideas?

Like Angela? Our AI Name Generator suggests personalized baby names based on your preferences, surname, and cultural background.

Try Baby Name Generator