Declining since 1985, #6,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Angelita since 1883
Babies named Angelita per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 36 |
| 1890s | 66 |
| 1900s | 160 |
| 1910s | 443 |
| 1920s | 1,069 |
| 1930s | 1,088 |
| 1940s | 1,199 |
| 1950s | 1,327 |
| 1960s | 1,411 |
| 1970s | 1,601 |
| 1980s | 1,135 |
| 1990s | 846 |
| 2000s | 836 |
| 2010s | 350 |
| 2020s | 135 |
Meaning & origin
Angelita, the Spanish diminutive of Angela, carries the endearing meaning 'little angel.' The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1883, but its most significant moment came in the 1970s. In 1975, Angelita reached its highest rank, peaking in usage among American families. In 2025, the name held a rank of 6,546, with roughly 1 in every 94,545 newborn girls receiving the name. Its popularity has been on a slow decline since 1985, maintaining a nostalgic appeal primarily concentrated in California. The name's melodic ending and cultural richness make it a gentle link to Hispanic heritage without being tied to any single religion.
Angelita is a Spanish diminutive of Ángela, which derives from the Greek angelos (messenger). The Latin angelus entered Spanish and produced feminine forms, with -ita firmly establishing the endearment sense. Although long used in Spanish-speaking communities, Angelita saw its broadest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, reflecting the influence of Hispanic heritage and Catholic devotional names.
Where Angelita 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Angie, Lita, Angela
Sibling names for Angelita
Names that share Angelita's style, for a brother or sister.
