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Angel

Pronunciation: [ AYNJ-uhl ]

Girl Name #499 Most Popular Steady 2 Syllables

A heavenly name meaning divine messenger

Spanish English Latin American Filipino American
Spiritual Gentle Classic Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"messenger"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
"divine messenger"
Origin: Latin
Language: English

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

Greek Άγγελος
Arabic أنجيل
Italian Angelo
Russian Ангел
Spanish Ángel

Famous People Named Angel

A

Angelina Jolie

Actor

1975

Academy Award-winning actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR

A

Angela Merkel

Politician

1954

Former Chancellor of Germany, one of the most influential world leaders of the 21st century

A

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

Angie Ange

Pairs Well With

Angel Marie Angel Rose Angel Grace Angel Faith Angel Mae Angel Isabel Angel Sofia

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Angel is also used as a boy name, ranked #63.

View Angel as a boy name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Angel

What does the name Angel mean?
"messenger" (from Greek). "divine messenger" (from Latin). 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.
What is the origin of the name Angel?
Angel has Greek, Latin, Spanish, English, Latin American, Filipino, and American origins. In Greek, it means "messenger". In Latin, it means "divine messenger".
Is Angel a boy or girl name?
Angel is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #499. As a boy name, it is ranked #63. Angel is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Angel?
Angel is pronounced AYNJ-uhl.
How popular is the name Angel?
Angel is currently ranked #499 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Angel?
Common nicknames for Angel include Angie and Ange.
What are good middle names for Angel?
Popular middle name pairings include Angel Marie, Angel Rose, Angel Grace, Angel Faith, Angel Mae, Angel Isabel, and Angel Sofia.
What are good sibling names for Angel?
Names that pair well with Angel as siblings include Gabriel, Rafael, Seraphina, Eden, Harmony, Michael, and Faith.
How many syllables does Angel have?
Angel has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Angel a common or rare name?
Angel is a popular name, ranked #499 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.

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.

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