Find out how popular the first name Arkangel has been for the last 6 years (from 2009 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Arkangel by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Arkangel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Arkangel.

The history of the first name Arkangel

The name Arkangel has its roots in the Greek language, originating from the words "arkh" meaning "chief" and "angelos" meaning "messenger." It is believed to have first emerged during the Byzantine era, around the 5th century AD, and was likely used to refer to high-ranking angels or archangels in Christian theology.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Arkangel can be found in the writings of the 6th-century Byzantine historian Procopius of Caesarea, who mentioned an individual by that name in his work "The Secret History." However, the details surrounding this person are scarce, and it is uncertain whether Arkangel was their given name or a title.

In the Middle Ages, the name Arkangel gained some popularity within Eastern Orthodox Christian communities, particularly in regions such as Greece, Bulgaria, and Russia. It was often bestowed upon individuals as a way to honor the archangels, celestial beings revered in Orthodox tradition.

Throughout history, a few notable individuals have borne the name Arkangel. One such figure was Arkangel of Nizhny Novgorod, a 16th-century Russian monk and icon painter who lived from around 1535 to 1599. His works, which depicted religious scenes and figures, are considered significant contributions to the art of icon painting in Russia.

Another historical figure with the name Arkangel was Arkangel Kordatzky, a prominent Greek merchant and philanthropist who lived from 1677 to 1743. He made significant contributions to the establishment of educational institutions in his homeland and was instrumental in the founding of the Patriarchal School in Istanbul, which played a crucial role in the Greek Enlightenment.

In the 19th century, Arkangel Hovhannisyan (1809-1887) was an Armenian writer, scholar, and educator who played a vital role in the development of Armenian literature and education. He authored several textbooks and works of fiction, and his contributions to the preservation of Armenian culture and language were widely recognized.

It is worth noting that while the name Arkangel has ancient roots and has been used throughout history, it has remained relatively uncommon compared to other names derived from religious or mythological sources. Its usage has primarily been concentrated within certain cultural and religious communities, particularly those with ties to Eastern Orthodox Christianity or Greek and Slavic traditions.

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 Arkangel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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