The name Angelus is of Latin origin and has a rich history and meaning behind it. It directly translates to "of the angels" or "messenger of God," which reflects its heavenly connotation.
In the Christian tradition, the name Angelus is often associated with the angelic announcements made by angels to various individuals in the Bible, such as the announcement of Jesus' birth to Mary and the resurrection of Jesus to his disciples. The name has also been used for bells that are rung at specific times throughout the day to commemorate these announcements.
The Angelus name has a long history of use within the Catholic Church. It was first used by Pope Urban II in 1095 as a signal for monks to gather for prayer during his crusade against the Turks. The custom of ringing church bells three times a day to mark the hours of prayer, known as the Angelus bell, became popular during the Middle Ages.
In terms of its usage as a given name, Angelus is not particularly common today, but it has been used throughout history, most notably by the Italian Renaissance painter Fra Angelico, whose real name was Guido di Pietro. He took the name Angelico, meaning "angelic," upon entering a Dominican monastery, reflecting his artistic focus on religious themes and his desire to create works that were pleasing to God.
Overall, the name Angelus carries with it a sense of spirituality, devotion, and reverence for angelic beings. While not widely used today as a given name, its historical significance and connection to Christian tradition make it a meaningful choice for those who wish to honor their faith through their child's name.
The name Angelus has seen sporadic use over the years, with no more than five births recorded in any given year between 1912 and 1963. The most recent occurrence was in 1963.