Angelique is a beautiful and unique name of French origin. It means "angelic" or "like an angel," which gives it a heavenly and ethereal quality. The name has been popular throughout history, particularly in France and other European countries.
The earliest recorded use of the name Angelique dates back to the 14th century in France. It was often given to girls born into noble families as a way to express their purity and divine beauty. Over time, the name gained popularity among the common people as well, and today it is known and loved around the world.
One famous bearer of the name Angelique was Angelique du Saint-Suplex, a French nun who lived in the 17th century. She was renowned for her holiness and miracles, and she is now considered a saint by the Catholic Church. Her life story has inspired many people over the centuries, and her name continues to be associated with spirituality and devotion.
In literature, Angelique also appears as the protagonist of a popular series of historical novels by French author Anne Golon. The books follow the adventures of Angelique, a young orphan who becomes entangled in the political intrigues of 17th-century France. The novels have been translated into many languages and are beloved by readers around the world.
Overall, the name Angelique is rich in history and meaning. It has inspired generations of people with its heavenly connotations, and it continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and beautiful name for their daughters.
The name Angelique has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. From the early to mid-20th century, its usage was quite low, with only a handful of births each year between 1915 and 1953. However, starting in 1953, there was a significant increase in the number of Angelique births, reaching an all-time high of 763 in 1968.
This popularity continued into the 1970s, with the name consistently ranking among the top 1000 most popular names for girls each year. However, it began to decline again throughout the 1980s and 1990s, dipping below the top 1000 in some years.
Despite this decline, Angelique has maintained a steady presence in recent decades. After a low point of 196 births in 2020, there was an increase to 311 births in 2021 and 332 births in 2022. As of 2023, Angelique has had a total of 254 births so far this year.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Angelique has fluctuated over time, it remains a recognizable and historically significant choice for parents naming their daughters in the United States.