Evangelos is a Greek masculine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the religious traditions and culture of Greece.
The name Evangelos is derived from two Greek words: "evangelion" (ευαγγέλιον) which means 'good news' or 'gospel', and "eis" (εἰς), a preposition meaning 'into'. Therefore, the name Evangelos signifies 'bringer of good news'.
The use of this name can be traced back to early Christian times. It was common for parents to give their children names that reflected their religious beliefs or aspirations. In many cases, these names were derived from the Bible and its stories.
Evangelos is also associated with St. Evangelist, one of the seven apostles mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. He was sent by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Thus, the name Evangelos may have been given to children as a blessing or an expression of hope that they would grow up to be heralds of good news.
In modern times, Evangelos remains a popular choice among Greek parents, often chosen for its religious significance and timeless appeal. It is also used in other countries with significant Greek populations, such as Cyprus and the United States. Despite its roots in ancient history, the name Evangelos continues to be given to newborns today, serving as a connection between past traditions and present-day life.
The name Evangelos has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1922 and 2023, there have been a total of 1139 births registered with this name.
During the early to mid-twentieth century, the name's popularity was relatively low, with no more than six births per year from 1922 to 1967. However, starting in 1969, we see a significant increase in its popularity, with the number of births reaching double digits for the first time that year.
The peak of Evangelos's popularity came in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1970, there were 23 births, marking the first time this name was given to more than 20 babies in a single year. This trend continued through 1981, with the highest number of births (36) recorded in 2010.
After the early 2010s, the popularity of the name Evangelos began to decline slightly, with fewer than 25 births per year from 2014 onwards. In recent years, the number has stabilized at around 15-22 births per year.
Despite its fluctuating popularity over the decades, the name Evangelos remains unique and distinctive, with a total of 1139 individuals sharing this name across multiple generations in the United States.