"one strength, unique strength"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
Angus
Pronunciation: [ ANGG-uhs ]
Does Angus flow with your last name?
A Celtic god of love, strength wrapped in ancient myth
Scottish
Irish
Celtic
Classic
Earthy
Strong
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"uniquely strong, one force"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Angus beef cattle, which some may find amusing in a child
The Story of Angus
Angus is the anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic Aonghus, itself derived from the Old Irish Oengus, meaning one strength or unique strength, from the Gaelic words oen (one) and gus (strength, force). In Celtic mythology, Aengus (or Óengus) is a god of youth, love, and poetic inspiration — the Celtic equivalent of Cupid — making this an ancient divine name.
Angus has been popular in Scotland for centuries and is experiencing a revival in English-speaking countries as parents seek strong, unpretentious names with Celtic heritage. It gained rock and roll credibility through AC/DCs guitarist Angus Young, making it simultaneously classic and cool.
Aengus mac Óg is one of the most beloved figures in Irish and Scottish mythology, associated with love, poetry, and the dream world. He was said to live at Newgrange and to have birds always circling his head. This mythological heritage makes Angus a name with deep roots in the Celtic imagination.
Historical Record
Angus first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 4,311 babies have been named Angus in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Angus is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,162 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Celtic mythology, Aengus is the god of youth and love, often called Aengus of the Birds
- AC/DC guitarist Angus Young has worn a schoolboy uniform on stage since the bands founding in 1973
Angus in Other Languages
Irish
Aengus
Latin
Angus
Scottish Gaelic
Aonghus
Popularity Over Time
#2,162
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Angus
A
Angus Young
Musician
1955
Scottish-Australian lead guitarist of AC/DC, one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time
A
Aengus mac Óg Fictional
Other
Celtic god of youth, love, and poetic inspiration in Irish and Scottish mythology
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Compare Angus with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,162
- Total SSA Count
- 68
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish Irish Celtic
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Gus
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Angus
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Angus
What does the name Angus mean?
"one strength, unique strength" (from Scottish Gaelic). "uniquely strong, one force" (from Old Irish). Angus is the anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic Aonghus, itself derived from the Old Irish Oengus, meaning one strength or unique strength, from the Gaelic words oen (one) and gus (strength, force). In Celtic mythology, Aengus (or Óengus) is a god of youth, love, and poetic inspiration — the Celtic equivalent of Cupid — making this an ancient divine name.
What is the origin of the name Angus?
Angus has Scottish Gaelic, Old Irish, Scottish, Irish, and Celtic origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "one strength, unique strength". In Old Irish, it means "uniquely strong, one force".
Is Angus a boy or girl name?
Angus is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Angus?
Angus is pronounced ANGG-uhs.
How popular is the name Angus?
Angus is currently ranked #2162 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Angus?
Common nicknames for Angus include Gus.
What are good middle names for Angus?
Popular middle name pairings include Angus James, Angus William, Angus Duncan, Angus Alasdair, and Angus Murdoch.
What are good sibling names for Angus?
Names that pair well with Angus as siblings include Hamish, Catriona, Isla, Fergus, and Morag.
How many syllables does Angus have?
Angus has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Angus a common or rare name?
Angus is an uncommon name, ranked #2162 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Angus?
About the Name Angus
Angus is a boy name with Scottish, Irish, and Celtic origins . The name means "one strength, unique strength" in Scottish Gaelic .
Angus is currently ranked #2,162 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Angus has 2 syllables and is pronounced ANGG-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Angus include Gus. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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