"good angel"
Evangeline
Pronunciation: [ ihv-ANJ-ihl-eyen ]
A Longfellow heroine meaning good news
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Evangeline
Evangeline combines the Greek 'eu' (good) and 'angelos' (messenger/angel), literally meaning bearer of good news — the same root as evangelical and evangelist. The name was created (or popularized) by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his 1847 epic poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie, about an Acadian girl separated from her lover during the Great Expulsion from Nova Scotia. Longfellow essentially gave this name to the English-speaking world.
Evangeline has risen steadily since the 2000s, driven by the appeal of long, romantic names and boosted by the TV show Lost (actress Evangeline Lilly played Kate). The name carries literary prestige from Longfellow while feeling distinctly feminine and elegant.
In Acadian and Cajun culture, Evangeline is a beloved name representing the Acadian identity and the tragic history of the Grand Derangement. Longfellow's poem is one of the most widely read poems in American history. Evangeline Parish in Louisiana is named after the poem's heroine.
Fun Facts
- Longfellow's Evangeline (1847) is one of the most widely read poems in American literary history
- Evangeline Parish in Louisiana is named after the poem's heroine
- Actress Evangeline Lilly is known for Lost, the Hobbit films, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Evangeline in Other Languages
Famous People Named Evangeline
Evangeline Lilly
Actor
1979
Canadian actress known for Lost, The Hobbit, and Ant-Man and the Wasp in the MCU
Evangeline (Longfellow poem) Fictional
Other
Fictional Acadian heroine of Longfellow's 1847 epic poem, a symbol of devotion and hope across cultures
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #174
- Total SSA Count
- 1,741
- Cultural Origins
- French American English Cajun
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Evangeline
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About the Name Evangeline
Evangeline is a girl name with French, American, English, and Cajun origins . The name means "good angel" in Greek .
Evangeline is currently ranked #174 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Evangeline has 4 syllables and is pronounced ihv-ANJ-ihl-eyen, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Evangeline include Eva, Evie, Angie, and Lina. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Evangeline include Evangelina, Evana, Evan, Evanna, Evany . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.