Boy · 51st of 24,088
Angel
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
360,783
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2006
Peak Popularity Year
13,828
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Angel stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Angel has Greek origins, meaning 'messenger.' It evolved through several languages, including Latin and Old French, before becoming popular in English. The name is often associated with positive traits and has biblical significance as divine messengers. It has gained popularity in modern times as a unisex name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈeɪndʒəl/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Angel derives from the Greek word 'angelos,' meaning 'messenger.' It was used in the New Testament to refer to spiritual beings.
Meaning
messenger
Language Evolution
Greek: angelos, Latin: angelus, Old French: ange, Middle English: angel
Biblical Background
In Christian theology, angels are considered divine messengers of God, appearing throughout the Bible.
Historical Usage
The name Angel gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, often used for both boys and girls.
Variants & Derivatives
Angela, Angelina, Angelo, Angelique
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Angel is perceived as a unisex name, often associated with purity, kindness, and divine qualities.
Famous People
Angelina Jolie, Angel Di Maria, Angelica Huston
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 13,828 peak births in 2006
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 735th of 7545 | 1,241 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 568th of 6773 | 2,014 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 354th of 7552 | 8,315 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 225th of 10718 | 16,628 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 133rd of 16616 | 36,678 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 51st of 24088 | 132,355 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 66th of 23106 | 63,801 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2440th of 9107 | 232 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1795th of 9204 | 380 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 725th of 12526 | 3,426 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 224th of 19264 | 20,885 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 175th of 27321 | 27,221 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 143rd of 35406 | 37,269 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 365th of 30306 | 10,297 |