Girl name · Greek
Angela
“messenger, angel”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Angela.
Explore Angela further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Angela — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Angela is the feminine of angelus, from the same Greek angelos, messenger. Saint Angela Merici founded the Ursulines in 1535, establishing one of the first teaching orders for women, which is how the name spread through Catholic Europe.
It was a US top-10 name in the 1970s and has fallen steadily since — a textbook single-generation curve. Angela Merkel and Angela Davis have kept it from feeling merely dated.
Angie carries the decade; Ange does not. Three syllables want one (Angela Rose, Angela Wren). On our vibe map it is Heirloom with Vintage Elegant polish.
More Greek names
Angela sits in our Greek set — these share its roots.
All Greek names →Angela — common questions
Is Angela a boy or girl name?
Angela is traditionally a girl name of Greek origin.
What does the name Angela mean?
Angela means “messenger, angel” of Greek origin. Angela is the feminine of angelus, from the same Greek angelos, messenger. Saint Angela Merici founded the Ursulines in 1535, establishing one of the first teaching orders for women, which is how the name spread through Catholic Europe.
Where does the name Angela come from?
Angela is Greek in origin. It was a US top-10 name in the 1970s and has fallen steadily since — a textbook single-generation curve. Angela Merkel and Angela Davis have kept it from feeling merely dated.
What are common nicknames for Angela?
Angie and Ange — the short-forms parents most often use for Angela.
How popular is Angela?
Angela did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Angela you might want for the nursery.