Find out how popular the first name Angel has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Angel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Angel is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 73% of people named Angel being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 4,865 male babies and 579 female babies born with the name Angel.

The history of the first name Angel

The name Angel has its origins in the Greek word "angelos," which means "messenger" or "envoy." It is derived from the verb "angello," meaning "to deliver a message" or "to announce." This name has been in use since ancient times and has strong ties to various religious and cultural traditions.

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, angels are understood as spiritual beings who serve as messengers and intermediaries between God and humanity. The name Angel was used to refer to these celestial messengers, and it gained widespread popularity across Europe and the Mediterranean region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Angel can be found in the Bible. In the Book of Revelation, the apostle John mentions an "angel of the church" in several passages, indicating the name's association with religious figures.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Angel. One of the most famous was Angel de la Guarda (1490-1557), a Spanish explorer and conquistador who accompanied Hernán Cortés on his expedition to Mexico in the early 16th century.

Another prominent figure was Angel Rama (1926-1983), a Uruguayan writer, literary critic, and cultural theorist who made significant contributions to the study of Latin American literature and culture.

In the realm of religion, Angel Oliva (1542-1608) was a Spanish priest and missionary who played a crucial role in the evangelization efforts in the Philippines during the 16th century.

Angel Ganivet (1865-1898) was a Spanish writer, essayist, and diplomat who is widely regarded as one of the forerunners of the Generation of '98, a influential literary movement in Spain.

Angel Calderon de la Barca (1600-1681) was a Spanish playwright, poet, and scholar who is considered one of the most prominent figures in the Spanish Golden Age of literature, alongside contemporaries like Lope de Vega and Pedro Calderón de la Barca.

The name Angel has maintained its popularity throughout history, crossing cultural and linguistic boundaries. Its association with celestial messengers and religious symbolism has contributed to its enduring appeal, making it a timeless and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with depth and significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Angel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Angel, please contact us.

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