Angela is a name of Latin origin, derived from the word "angelus," which means "angel." It is often associated with the Christian belief in angels as messengers of God.
The use of Angela as a given name for females can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Europe, where it was used interchangeably with other names such as Angelica and Angela. The popularity of these angel-themed names may have been influenced by religious devotion and the cult of the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted surrounded by angels.
In the 19th century, Angela became a popular choice for girls' names in several European countries, including Italy, France, Spain, and Germany. Today, it remains a common name throughout much of Europe, as well as in other parts of the world where Latin influences have been significant.
Some notable figures who bear the name Angela include Angela Lansbury, the British actress known for her role in Murder, She Wrote; Angela Davis, the American political activist and academic; and Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany.
The popularity of the name Angela peaks between 1965 and 1972 with the highest number of births occurring in 1972 (97). However, there is a significant decline thereafter, reaching an all-time low in 1990 with only 9 births. The total number of births with the name Angela over this period is 1489.