Angel Overview
- Meaning: Angel means “messenger” in Greek.
- Gender: Angel transitions easily between being a girl or boy name.
- Origin: Angel originates from the Greek and ancient Roman language. A word for heavenly messengers, the name Angel and its many variations holds symbolism and meaning for many cultures and religious traditions.
- Pronunciation: “AYN-juhl” or “AYN-jell”
- Popularity: Angel ranks as a very popular name every year of the 21st century in the United States.
- Nicknames: Angie, Anny, Ans, Gel.
- Variations: Anđelko, Angelina, Angelo, Angelus, Ànghelu, Anxo, Engel, Giotto.
- Namesakes: Angel Pagan, baseball player.
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
What Japanese Name Means Angel?
The word “Tenshi” means angel in Japanese. While Angel is a very popular name, Tenshi is near number 14,500 in popularity.
Are There Female Angels?
A few angels are distinctly described with female characteristics, like the angel Jophiel or Zophiel. This “angel of beauty” appears in the 1667 epic poem Paradise Lost. Many more popular angels across religions hold male pronouns and names, like Gabriel, Christopher, Raphael, and Michael.
What Is the Girliest Version of the Name?
Angel represents one of the girliest names available, along with variations Angelina and Angela. The feminine name Seraphina means “angel” in Hebrew.
What Are the Trendiest Versions of the Name?
Baby names inspired by nature represent an enduring trend. Ethereal, botanical, and rugged names are gaining traction. Consider names like Willow, Aspen, Angel, or Athena. Names like Forrest, Aurora, Seraphina, Cliff, Posey, Camilla, or Luna are also rising.
What Is a Modern Biblical Name?
A contemporary name inspired by the Bible may sound counterproductive, but it does exist! Try Gideon, Solomon, or Eli for a boy. Modern girl names from the Bible include Naomi, Myra, Ruth, and Theodora.
