Angela is a name that has been used for centuries and has a rich history behind it. The name is of Greek origin and means “messenger of God” or “angel.” It has been a popular name for girls in many countries, including the United States, Italy, and Germany. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origin of the name Angela, its popularity, and famous people who bear the name.
The name Angela has been around for a long time and has been used in different languages and cultures. It is derived from the Greek word “angelos,” meaning messenger or angel. The name has been popularized in many countries, and it has been used in literature and pop culture. In this article, we will take a closer look at the name Angela, its meaning, and its significance in different cultures.
Key Takeaways
- Angela is a name of Greek origin that means “messenger of God” or “angel.”
- The name has been popularized in many countries, including the United States, Italy, and Germany.
- Famous people who bear the name Angela include Angela Merkel, Angela Bassett, and Angela Lansbury.
Origin of the Name Angela
The name Angela is a feminine given name that has Greek origins. It is derived from the Greek word ángelos (ἄγγελος), which means “messenger of God” or “angel.” The name was first used in the Late Roman period and has been popular throughout history.
In the United States, the name Angela was most popular between 1965 and 1979, when it was ranked among the top 10 names for girls. Between 1922 and 2021, in the United States, the name was ranked in the top 35 names for girls.
The name Angela has been used in many cultures and languages, including English, Italian, German, Dutch, Romanian, Slovene, Slovak, Russian, Macedonian, and Greek. It is a popular name in many countries and has been used in literature, music, and film.
Overall, the name Angela has a beautiful and timeless meaning, and it is a popular choice for parents who want to give their daughters a name that represents grace, beauty, and strength.
Angela in Different Languages
The name Angela has a rich history and is used in various languages and cultures around the world. Here are some of the different meanings and variations of the name Angela in different languages:
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English: Angela is derived from the Greek word “angelos” which means “messenger”. It is a popular name for girls in English-speaking countries.
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Italian: In Italian, the name Angela means “angelic” or “messenger”. It is a popular name for girls in Italy and among Italian communities around the world.
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German: Angela is a common name in Germany, where it means “angelic messenger”. It is often shortened to Angie or Anja.
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Dutch: The Dutch version of the name Angela is Angelique, which means “angelic”. It is a popular name for girls in the Netherlands.
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Romanian: In Romanian, the name Angela means “angelic messenger” or “messenger of God”. It is a popular name for girls in Romania.
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Greek: Angela is a popular name in Greece, where it is spelled Άντζελα (Antzela). It means “messenger” or “angelic”.
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Russian: The Russian version of the name Angela is Ангела (Angela), which means “angelic”. It is a popular name for girls in Russia.
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Macedonian: In Macedonian, the name Angela is spelled Ангела (Angela) and means “angelic messenger”. It is a popular name for girls in Macedonia.
Overall, Angela is a name that is widely recognized and appreciated across many different cultures and languages. Its meaning of “messenger” or “angelic” gives it a positive and uplifting connotation, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a friendly and meaningful name for their baby girl.
Popularity of the Name Angela
Angela is a classic name that has been used for centuries. It has Greek origins and means “heavenly messenger.” The name Angela has been popular in many countries around the world, including the United States, Italy, Spain, and France.
According to BabyCenter, Angela was ranked #304 in popularity in the United States in 2023. This is a significant increase from the previous year, where it was ranked #403. The name Angela has been in the top 1000 names for girls in the United States since the 1920s and has been a popular choice for parents for many years.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the name Angela was very popular in the United States and was consistently ranked in the top ten names for girls. However, its popularity has declined in recent years, and it is now less commonly used. Today, there are many other similar names that have become more popular, such as Angelina and Angelica.
The popularity of the name Angela has also varied in different countries and cultures. In Italy, the name has been consistently popular and was ranked in the top 50 names for girls in 2022. In Spain, the name has been less popular in recent years and was ranked #204 in 2022.
Overall, the name Angela has been a popular choice for parents for many years and has a classic and timeless feel. While its popularity has declined in recent years, it remains a beautiful and meaningful name for a baby girl.
Famous People Named Angela
The name Angela has been a popular choice for parents for many years, and as a result, there are many famous people who share this name. Here are just a few examples:
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Angela Bassett: Born in 1958, Angela Bassett is an American actress known for her roles in films such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Waiting to Exhale,” and “Black Panther.” She has been nominated for numerous awards throughout her career, including an Academy Award for Best Actress.
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Angela Merkel: Angela Merkel is a German politician who has been the Chancellor of Germany since 2005. She is the first woman to hold this position, and she is widely regarded as one of the most powerful women in the world.
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Angela Lansbury: Born in 1925, Angela Lansbury is a British-American actress known for her roles in films such as “Gaslight,” “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” and “Murder, She Wrote.” She has won numerous awards throughout her career, including five Tony Awards and an Honorary Academy Award.
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Angela Davis: Born in 1944, Angela Davis is an American political activist, philosopher, and author. She is known for her work in the civil rights movement and her outspoken views on issues such as feminism, race, and social justice.
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Angela Gheorghiu: Born in 1965, Angela Gheorghiu is a Romanian soprano who has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. She is known for her powerful voice and her interpretations of roles such as Tosca, Carmen, and Violetta.
These are just a few examples of the many famous people who share the name Angela. Each of these individuals has made a significant impact in their respective fields, and they serve as inspiration to many.
Variations of the Name Angela
The name Angela has several variations that have been used over the years. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Angelica: This name is derived from the Latin word “angelicus,” meaning “angelic.” It is a popular name in Italy and Spain.
- Angelina: This name is a diminutive of Angela and means “little angel.” It gained popularity in the United States after the actress Angelina Jolie rose to fame.
- Ange: This is a shortened version of Angela that is commonly used in French-speaking countries.
- Angel: This name is a unisex name that can be used for both boys and girls. It is derived from the Greek word “angelos,” which means “messenger.”
In addition to these variations, there are also many names that have a similar meaning to Angela, such as Seraphina, Celeste, and Gabriel. These names all have a connection to the divine and are popular choices for parents who want to give their child a name with a spiritual meaning.
Overall, the name Angela and its variations have a rich history and continue to be popular choices for parents around the world. Whether you choose to use the traditional name or one of its many variations, it is sure to be a beautiful and meaningful name for your child.
Angela in Literature and Pop Culture
The name Angela has been a popular choice for characters in literature and pop culture. Here are a few examples:
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Angela Chase – The main character in the TV series “My So-Called Life” is portrayed by Claire Danes. Angela Chase is a teenager struggling with identity, relationships, and growing up. The character’s name has become synonymous with teenage angst and introspection.
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Angela Martin – A character in the popular TV series “The Office” played by Angela Kinsey. Angela Martin is a strict, conservative, and religious character who often clashes with her coworkers. Her name has become associated with uptight and judgmental personalities.
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Angela Vicario – A character in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel “Chronicle of a Death Foretold”. Angela Vicario is a young woman who is accused of adultery and is forced to marry a man she does not love. Her name has become associated with the themes of honor, shame, and gender roles in Latin American culture.
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Angela Montenegro – A character in the TV series “Bones” played by Michaela Conlin. Angela Montenegro is a forensic artist who works with the main character, Dr. Temperance Brennan. Her name has become associated with intelligence, creativity, and artistic talent.
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Angela Davis – An American political activist and scholar who became a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement. Angela Davis has written several books and has been an influential voice in discussions of race, gender, and social justice. Her name has become associated with activism and advocacy.
Overall, the name Angela has been used to represent a variety of personalities and themes in literature and pop culture. Whether it’s teenage angst, conservative values, honor and shame, artistic talent, or social justice, the name Angela has become a recognizable and versatile name in our cultural lexicon.
Numerology of the Name Angela
Numerology is the study of numbers and their meanings, and it can be used to interpret the meaning of names. The name Angela has a numerology expression number of 22, which is a master number in numerology. This means that people with the name Angela are often seen as leaders and visionaries who are capable of achieving great things.
The soul urge number for the name Angela is 7, which represents a desire for knowledge and understanding. This number suggests that people with the name Angela are introspective and thoughtful, and they enjoy exploring new ideas and concepts.
The personality number for the name Angela is 6, which is associated with responsibility and nurturing. This number suggests that people with the name Angela are caring and compassionate, and they enjoy helping others.
Finally, the life path number for the name Angela is 3, which is associated with creativity and self-expression. This number suggests that people with the name Angela are artistic and expressive, and they enjoy using their talents to create beautiful things.
In summary, the numerology of the name Angela suggests that people with this name are leaders who are driven by a desire for knowledge and understanding. They are caring and compassionate individuals who enjoy helping others, and they are also creative and expressive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Angela is a beautiful and meaningful name that has been popular for centuries. Its Greek origin means “messenger” or “messenger of God,” which gives it a spiritual and powerful connotation. This name has been used for many notable women throughout history, including Angela Davis, Angela Merkel, and Angela Lansbury.
If you’re considering naming your daughter Angela, it’s important to note that it has a timeless quality to it. It’s not a trendy name that will go out of style in a few years, but rather a classic name that will always be in fashion. Additionally, it has many variations and nicknames, such as Angie, Angel, and Angelica, which provide flexibility and personalization.
Overall, Angela is a name that carries a lot of weight and significance, making it a great choice for parents looking for a meaningful and timeless name for their daughter.