Declining since 1985, #408 for girls today.
Popularity of Angela since 1880
Babies named Angela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 232 |
| 1890s | 671 |
| 1900s | 1,400 |
| 1910s | 5,518 |
| 1920s | 6,273 |
| 1930s | 6,518 |
| 1940s | 12,256 |
| 1950s | 40,357 |
| 1960s | 159,294 |
| 1970s | 225,262 |
| 1980s | 116,595 |
| 1990s | 45,171 |
| 2000s | 31,319 |
| 2010s | 15,494 |
| 2020s | 6,897 |
Meaning & origin
Angela has experienced a notable trajectory in the United States, peaking in popularity in 1975 when it was a top name for girls. It has since been on a steady decline, falling since 1985 and currently holding a rank of 408 in 2025, with just 1 in 2,101 babies bearing the name. The name first appeared in the Social Security data in 1880, and its highest concentration in recent years has been in states such as Delaware, Arizona, and Nevada. While not as common as it once was, Angela remains a recognizable choice, its classic sound and angelic associations lending it enduring appeal. The name saw a sharp rise in the mid-20th century, reaching its zenith in the 1970s before gradually declining.
Angela is the feminine form of Angelus, itself derived from the Greek angelos, meaning 'messenger'. It was used in the Middle Ages, likely influenced by the Christian concept of angels. The name gained widespread popularity in English-speaking countries during the 18th century and saw a significant rise in the United States in the mid-20th century.
Where Angela is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Angela” around the world
Where Angela lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Quebec
17
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Angie, Angel, Ela
Sibling names for Angela
Names that share Angela's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Christina, Diana, Michelle, Nicole, Teresa, Carmela, Cynthia, Monica, Sharon, Angely, Felecia, Jodie, Michell, Angella, Anglea, Felica, Rosaria, Angila, Angla, Betina, Carmie, Sintia, Taresa, Tresea, Tresia, Catrena, Dangela, Karmela, Staphanie, Tangelia, Terasa, Thereasa, Angala, Jeriann, Latanja, Michaelina, Mischell, Phyllicia, Sheritha, Tearsa, Yarithza
Brothers: Anthony, Daniel, Michael, Nicholas, Steven, Tony, Antone, Dangelo, Domenic, Domenick, Gino, Vinny, Vito, Geovany, Sal, Anthany, Biagio, Decarlo, Emidio, Michial, Pasqual, Stephone, Angelino, Antion, Sabatino, Veto, Anjelo, Antolin, Carmino
Names like Angela
Names whose popularity has moved with Angela's over the last 50 years.
