"angelic, messenger of God"
Angelica
Pronunciation: [ anj-EHL-ihk-uh ]
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A Renaissance classic with angelic roots
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Angelica
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"messenger"
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Browse nicknames →Things to Know About This Name
- Character from Rugrats animated series (1991) portrayed as a spoiled antagonist
The Story of Angelica
Angelica comes from the Latin angelicus and Greek angelos meaning messenger or angel. The name gained widespread use in medieval Europe, particularly in Romance-speaking countries, where it was associated with divine protection and beauty. The Italian poet Ariosto immortalized the name in his 1516 epic Orlando Furioso, where Angelica is the beautiful princess pursued by the hero Orlando.
Angelica peaked in the US during the 1980s and 1990s, partly boosted by the Rugrats character, though that association also gave it a somewhat spoiled-child image. It remains consistently popular in Latin American countries.
In Italian culture, Angelica is a classic name tied to Renaissance literature. In Latin American countries, it remains a traditional choice with deep religious connotations connecting the bearer to angelic protection.
Historical Record
Angelica first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 91,568 babies have been named Angelica in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Angelica is past its peak , currently ranked #623 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The name appears in Ariosto's 16th-century epic Orlando Furioso as the beautiful princess who drives warriors mad with love
- Angelica root was named after the angel Raphael, who reportedly revealed its medicinal uses in a dream
Angelica in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Angelica
Anjelica Huston
Actor
1951
Academy Award-winning American actress known for Prizzi's Honor, The Addams Family, and The Royal Tenenbaums
Angelica Kauffmann
Artist
1741
18th-century Swiss-Austrian Neoclassical painter, one of only two female founding members of the Royal Academy of Arts
Angelica Pickles Fictional
Other
Spoiled antagonist character from the Nickelodeon animated series Rugrats (1991)
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #623
- Total SSA Count
- 477
- Cultural Origins
- English Italian Spanish French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Angelica
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Angelica is also used as a boy name, ranked #39770.
View Angelica as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Angelica
What does the name Angelica mean?
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Is Angelica a boy or girl name?
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What are common nicknames for Angelica?
What are good middle names for Angelica?
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About the Name Angelica
Angelica is a girl name with English, Italian, Spanish, and French origins . The name means "angelic, messenger of God" in Latin .
Is Angelica a boy or girl name? Angelica is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #623 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #39,770. Angelica is more commonly used as a girl name.
Angelica is currently ranked #623 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Angelica has 4 syllables and is pronounced anj-EHL-ihk-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Angelica include Angie and Angel. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Angelica include Angela, Angelina, Angel, Angelique, Angeline . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Recommended for Parents
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Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis