Angel

Meaning & origin

Angel has been a steady presence in American naming since it was first recorded in the Social Security data in 1888. It rose gradually through the 20th century, but its most dramatic surge came in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching its peak popularity in 2006. Since then, its trajectory has been falling, though it remains a common choice. In the most recent data for 2025, Angel ranks 67th nationally and is given to roughly 1 in every 359 baby boys. The name is especially popular in the Southwest, with top states including New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona, reflecting the strong Hispanic cultural influence where the Spanish form Ángel is deeply traditional. Despite its gradual decline in rank, Angel remains a widely recognized cross-cultural name with enduring appeal.

From the Latin name Angelus, itself derived from the Greek angelos ('messenger'). In Christian tradition, angels are spiritual beings who serve as messengers of God. The name has been used since the Middle Ages in various forms across Europe. In Spanish-speaking cultures, Ángel is a traditional masculine name, while the unaccented Angel has become widely used for both boys and girls in English-speaking countries.