All about the name

Dangela

Female

« Dangela is an African-origin girls' name popularized by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in her novel 'Americanah'. Its meaning, potentially 'God answers prayers with joy', has Igbo cultural roots. »

#26543 over 10 years

Meaning, origin, history

Dangela is a unique and distinctive name of African origin. It is believed to have been popularized by the Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in her novel "Americanah," where she used it as one of the main character's names. The meaning behind Dangela is not universally agreed upon, but some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Igbo culture of Nigeria. In this context, it could be a combination of two Igbo words: "Dani" which means "God answers prayers," and "Gela" which means "to rejoice." Therefore, Dangela could potentially mean "God answers prayers with joy." There is not much historical information about the name Dangela beyond its appearance in Adichie's novel. However, since then, it has gained some recognition and usage as a girls' name, particularly within African communities and among those who have been influenced by Adichie's works. In terms of pronunciation, Dangela is typically pronounced as "DAHN-jel-uh," with the emphasis on the first syllable. It has four syllables in total, making it quite distinctive compared to many other names. Overall, Dangela is an uncommon yet captivating name that carries a hint of African culture and literary influence. Its unique sound and potential meaning make it a memorable choice for parents looking for something different and meaningful for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Dangela since 1880

Total births
366
Total since 1880
Peak year
1996
16 births
in 2014
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
vs previous 5 years