"one strength, unique strength"
Angus
Pronunciation: [ ANGG-uhs ]
A Celtic god of love, strength wrapped in ancient myth
Meaning & Origin
"uniquely strong, one force"
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.
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
Famous People Named Angus
Angus Young
Musician
1955
Scottish-Australian lead guitarist of AC/DC, one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time
Aengus mac Óg Fictional
Other
Celtic god of youth, love, and poetic inspiration in Irish and Scottish mythology
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
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Angus
What does the name Angus mean?
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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.