Angel Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames

What Does Angel Mean?

Angel as a baby’s name symbolizes a precious gift; someone seen as a glorious messenger. While angels are often linked to Christianity and Judaism, these holy figures appear in ancient and contemporary religious traditions found around the world.

The angel Gabriel memorably appears to the Virgin Mary in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity to proclaim the coming of Jesus. Tennin is an angel appearing in the teachings of Japanese Buddhism. The Lamassu represent groups of angels in ancient Mesopotamian religion.

Angels overwhelmingly symbolize protection, wisdom, comfort, eternity, and virtue. The name Angel offers a wholesome, gender-neutral baby name perfect for those with a deep spirituality. Naming a longed-for child Angel is a meaningful tribute to a rainbow baby. ⁽¹⁾

What is the Origin of the Name Angel?

The origin of word Angel derives from Greek. Angelos means “messenger” or “heavenly being”. The similar name Angelus serves as the medieval Latin variation on the name Angel.

How Popular is the Name Angel?

According to statistics from the United States Social Security Administration, Angel ranks as a very popular name. Since the start of the 21st century, the name Angel has never slipped below the top 100 baby names in the United States. ⁽²⁾

Angel reached a 20-year high in 2006 when the baby name ranked at 30 on the list. This name dipped considerably in popularity by the early 2020s. Angel slid to around 70 on the list of most popular baby names.

The name Angel ranks highly in other countries as well. Angel is especially popular in Spanish-speaking nations and territories like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Argentina.

How Do I Pronounce Angel?

The name Angel provides a straightforward pronunciation with two slight variations on the second syllable. Angel is pronounced “AYN-juhl.” Some people say this name as “AYN-jell,” for a slightly more crisp and posh pronunciation. Both variations on the second syllable are acceptable and considered correct.

Is Angel a Boy or Girl Name?

Like most baby names, Angel presents as a boy or girl name. Frequently, the name Angel is given to girls. A variation on Angel, like Angelo, is given to baby boys. Interestingly, most famous angels listed in religious texts represent figures with male names and characteristics.

Variations of Angel

The name Angel enjoys several variations. Different languages, religious traditions, and other cultural implications influence the many variations of Angel.

The following are variations of the name Angel:

• Anđelko (Serbian, Croatian)
• Àngel (Catalan, Spanish)
• Angela (English, Portuguese, Macedonian)
• Angelica (Portuguese, Spanish, Italian)
• Angelino (Spanish, Italian)
• Angelo (Portuguese, Italian)
• Angelos (Greek)
• Angelus (Late Roman)
• Anghel (Romanian)
• Ànghelu (Sardinian)
• Angyal, Angyalka (Hungarian)
• Anxo (Galician)
• Engel (German)
• Giotto (Italian)

Nicknames for Angel

Often Angel serves as a nickname for a lengthier variation, like Angelica or Angelo. However, a few available nicknames for Angel are:

• Ange
• Angie
• Angy
• Anny
• Ann
• Ans
• Gel

Similar Names to Angel

Names similar to Angel display the enduring cultural significance of this very popular name:

• Anne
• Anthony
• Anya
• Amber
• Amy
• Aphrodite
• Aria
• Damien
• Gabriel
• Raphael
• Seraphina

Middle Names for Angel

Pair the first name of Angel with these cohesive middle names:

• Bethany
• Christopher
• Dylan
• Elizabeth
• James
• Jeremiah
• Miguel
• Nicole
• Rebecca
• Timothy
• Xavier

Sibling Names for Angel

When choosing a sibling name to go with the name Angel, consider another Biblically significant name. Or choose another moniker that begins with a vowel for a delightful pairing.

• Abraham
• Alexis
• Antonio
• David
• Delilah
• Emma
• Isaiah
• Mary
• Noah
• Olivia
• Peter
• Ruth
• Solomon

Famous People Named Angel

Many famous people from diverse backgrounds all share the name Angel.

• Angel Coulby: British TV actress.
• Ángel Gastón Díaz: Argentine soccer player.
• Angel Haze: American rapper.
• Ángel Hernández: Cuban professional umpire.
• Angel Lajuane McCoughtry: American basketball player.
• Angel Locsin: Filipina TV actress.
• Angel Medina: American comic book illustrator.
• Angelina Myers “Angel” Martino: American Olympic swimmer.
• Angel Olsen: American singer/songwriter.
• Angel Pagan: Puerto Rican baseball player.
• Angel Katherine Reece: American pro wrestler.
• Angel Taveras: American lawyer and politician.
• Angel Tompkins: American TV actress.

Angel in Popular Culture

• Angel: Character from TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel.”
• Angel Batista: Character from the TV series “Dexter.”
• Angel Face: Character from the film “Fight Club.”
• Angel Salvadore: Character from the comic book “X-Men: First Class.”
• Angel Dumott Schunard: Character from Broadway musical “Rent.”

Angel FAQs