Angela – Name Meaning
The name Angela is of Latin origin and means “messenger of God”. It is a feminine form of the name Angelus, which was derived from the Greek angelos meaning “messenger”. The name has been popular since the Middle Ages and is still widely used today.
History and Origin
The name Angela first appeared in the Middle Ages as a female version of the male name Angelus. It was popularized by Saint Angela Merici, an Italian saint who founded the Order of Ursulines in 1535. The name has also been associated with other saints such as Saint Angela of Foligno, who lived in the 13th century.
The popularity of the name spread throughout Europe during the Renaissance period and it became especially popular in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and France. In England, it was introduced by the Normans after they invaded in 1066. The name has also been used in literature, most notably by William Shakespeare in his play Much Ado About Nothing.
Popularity
Angela is a very popular name in many countries around the world. In the United States, it was one of the top 100 names for girls born between 1960 and 2000. It is currently ranked as the 545th most popular name for girls born in 2019.
In other countries, it is also a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter. In Italy, it is currently ranked as the 11th most popular name for girls born in 2019. In Spain, it is ranked as the 16th most popular name for girls born in 2019.
Famous People Named Angela
There are many famous people named Angela including actresses Angela Bassett and Angela Lansbury; singer-songwriter Angela Aki; fashion designer Angela Missoni; former First Lady of Germany Angela Merkel; and Nobel Prize winner Dr. Angela Davis.
The name has also been used by several fictional characters including comic book superheroine Wasp (real name Janet van Dyne) and cartoon character Angelica Pickles from Rugrats.