"angelic, messenger of God"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Angelica
Pronunciation: [ anj-EHL-ihk-uh ]
Girl Name
#623 Most Popular
Steady
4 Syllables
A Renaissance classic with angelic roots
English
Italian
Spanish
French
Classic
Elegant
Traditional
Spiritual
Vintage
Meaning & Origin
"messenger"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
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.
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
French
Angelique
Italian
Angelica
Russian
Anzhelika
Spanish
Angelica
Portuguese
Angelica
Famous People Named Angelica
A
Anjelica Huston
Actor
1951
Academy Award-winning American actress known for Prizzi's Honor, The Addams Family, and The Royal Tenenbaums
A
Angelica Kauffmann
Artist
1741
18th-century Swiss-Austrian Neoclassical painter, one of only two female founding members of the Royal Academy of Arts
A
Angelica Pickles Fictional
Other
Spoiled antagonist character from the Nickelodeon animated series Rugrats (1991)
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
Angie
Angel
Pairs Well With
Angelica Rose
Angelica Marie
Angelica Grace
Angelica Faith
Angelica Mae
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Angelica is also used as a boy name, ranked #39770.
View Angelica as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Angelica
What does the name Angelica mean?
"angelic, messenger of God" (from Latin). "messenger" (from Greek). 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.
What is the origin of the name Angelica?
Angelica has Latin, Greek, English, Italian, Spanish, and French origins. In Latin, it means "angelic, messenger of God". In Greek, it means "messenger".
Is Angelica a boy or girl name?
Angelica is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #623. As a boy name, it is ranked #39770. Angelica is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Angelica?
Angelica is pronounced anj-EHL-ihk-uh.
How popular is the name Angelica?
Angelica is currently ranked #623 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Angelica?
Common nicknames for Angelica include Angie and Angel.
What are good middle names for Angelica?
Popular middle name pairings include Angelica Rose, Angelica Marie, Angelica Grace, Angelica Faith, and Angelica Mae.
What are good sibling names for Angelica?
Names that pair well with Angelica as siblings include Sebastian, Isabella, Gabriel, Sophia, and Marcus.
How many syllables does Angelica have?
Angelica has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Angelica a common or rare name?
Angelica is moderately common, ranked #623 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
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.