Angela is a name of Latin origin, derived from the word "angelus," which means "angel." It is often associated with the Christian belief in angels as messengers of God.
The use of Angela as a given name for females can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Europe, where it was used interchangeably with other names such as Angelica and Angela. The popularity of these angel-themed names may have been influenced by religious devotion and the cult of the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted surrounded by angels.
In the 19th century, Angela became a popular choice for girls' names in several European countries, including Italy, France, Spain, and Germany. Today, it remains a common name throughout much of Europe, as well as in other parts of the world where Latin influences have been significant.
Some notable figures who bear the name Angela include Angela Lansbury, the British actress known for her role in Murder, She Wrote; Angela Davis, the American political activist and academic; and Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany.
The name Angela has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States. From 1954 to 1972, the number of births for girls named Angela saw an increase, with the highest recorded year being 1972 with 97 births.
However, from 1973 onwards, there was a steady decline in the popularity of the name Angela. The years between 1980 to 1996 had consistently low numbers of births for girls named Angela, with some years having less than 10 births each year.
In total, from 1954 to 1996, there were 1489 births recorded for the name Angela in the United States. Despite the decline in popularity over recent decades, Angela remains a timeless and classic name choice for parents seeking a traditional yet elegant option for their daughter's name.