Angela is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the name "Angelus," which means "angel" or "messenger." The name has been used since the Middle Ages and was popularized by early Christian saints such as Saint Angela Merici, who founded the Ursuline Sisters in the 16th century.
The name Angela is composed of two elements: "angel" and "-a," which is a feminine suffix. It implies that the person bearing this name is an angel or has qualities associated with angels, such as purity, innocence, and grace. The name has also been associated with love, joy, light, and hope.
Historically, Angela has been used in various forms across different cultures. In Italy, Angela was popularized by Saint Angela Merici, while in France, it was used as a variant of the name Anne or Angèle. In Spain, Angela was often used alongside other angelic names like Ana and Isabel.
In the English-speaking world, Angela gained prominence during the Victorian era, when many parents chose classical and literary-inspired names for their daughters. Today, Angela remains a popular choice among parents who appreciate its elegance, history, and symbolic meaning.
The name Angele has had a fluctuating popularity over the past century and a half, with its highest point occurring recently in the year 2000 with 18 births. The total number of births recorded under this name since 1886 is 1546.