"messenger"
Angel
Pronunciation: [ AYNJ-uhl ]
A heavenly name meaning divine messenger
Meaning & Origin
"divine messenger"
The Story of Angel
Angel comes from the Greek word 'angelos' meaning messenger, which translated the Hebrew 'mal'akh' (messenger of God). The Latin form 'angelus' spread throughout Christendom. While traditionally a male name in English, Angel became popular as a female name in Spanish-speaking cultures, and in the US has been primarily given to girls since the 1970s.
Angel peaked in the US in the late 1990s and early 2000s, partly influenced by the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoff Angel (1999-2004). It remains consistently popular in Hispanic communities across the Americas.
In Spanish-speaking cultures, Angel is a common name for both genders. The name carries profound religious significance across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, where angels are divine intermediaries between God and humanity.
Fun Facts
- Angel is a top-20 baby name in several Spanish-speaking countries
- The word angel has been used in English since at least the 9th century, derived from Latin angelus
Angel in Other Languages
Famous People Named Angel
Angelina Jolie
Actor
1975
Academy Award-winning actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR
Angela Merkel
Politician
1954
Former Chancellor of Germany, one of the most influential world leaders of the 21st century
Angel Fictional
Other
The vampire with a soul in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff Angel, played by David Boreanaz
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #499
- Total SSA Count
- 613
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish English Latin American Filipino American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Angel is also used as a boy name, ranked #63.
View Angel as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Angel
What does the name Angel mean?
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About the Name Angel
Angel is a girl name with Spanish, English, Latin American, Filipino, and American origins . The name means "messenger" in Greek .
Is Angel a boy or girl name? Angel is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #499 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #63. Angel is more commonly used as a boy name.
Angel is currently ranked #499 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Angel has 2 syllables and is pronounced AYNJ-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Angel include Angie and Ange. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Angel include Angela, Angelina, Angelica, Angelique, Angeline . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.