The name Arcangel is of Spanish origin and it means "Archangel." It is derived from the Latin word 'arcus', which means arch, and the Greek word 'ange-los', meaning messenger or angel. Therefore, Arcangel literally translates to "archangel," referring to the highest-ranking angels in religious traditions.
In Christian belief, there are nine archangels, with three being mentioned by name in the Bible: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Arcangel is not one of these named archangels but rather a name that has been used independently as a given name for both boys and girls in Spanish-speaking countries.
The use of Arcangel as a given name can be traced back to medieval Spain. During this period, the veneration of angels was quite prevalent, and it was common for people to choose angelic names for their children. While Arcangel may not have been extremely popular, it has been used sporadically throughout history.
Today, Arcangel is still considered a unique and distinct name choice, often associated with Spanish cultural heritage. It is typically more popular among Spanish-speaking communities but can also be found in other parts of the world where there are significant Spanish influences or among families who appreciate its symbolic meaning.
The name Arcangel has seen varied popularity over the past sixteen years in the United States. Between 2007 and 2023, there have been a total of 230 babies named Arcangel born each year. The name's popularity peaked in recent years with 25 births recorded in 2012, followed by another peak in 2023 with 17 births.
Despite fluctuations in its popularity, the name Arcangel has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the United States over this period. This trend suggests that the name continues to resonate with parents who choose it for their children year after year. It is interesting to note that while some years saw fewer than ten babies named Arcangel, others had more than twenty, indicating a degree of variability in its popularity from one year to the next.
In summary, the name Arcangel has been given to 230 babies born between 2007 and 2023 inclusively in the United States. Its popularity has varied over time but remains present among baby names during this period.