Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Angel
BoyGreek, Spanish· “messenger”
- Meaning
- messenger
- Origin
- Greek, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- AYN-juhl
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #67
- US babies 2025
- 4,757
- Best rank
- #31 (2006)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Angel
Angel is a Greek and Spanish name that means “messenger”.
Angel comes from the Greek angelos, "messenger", the word used in the Bible for the heavenly messengers of God. As a given name it is most familiar in Spanish as Ángel, a traditional boys' name across Spain and Latin America, where it is pronounced AHN-hehl. In English-speaking countries Angel has been used for both boys and girls, and in the United States it is most common for boys, largely thanks to Spanish-speaking families. The name suggests protection and kindness. Related names include Angelo in Italian and Angela and Angelina for girls. It feels warm, simple and meaningful in both English and Spanish.
Other spellings with the same sound: Angell.
Popularity over time
Angel first appears in US Social Security records in 1888. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 121 different years, starting in 1888. Its best national rank was #31 in 2006, the same year it reached its highest count of 11,602 babies. In 2025, 4,757 babies were named Angel, and it ranked #67 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #699 in 1920, #435 in 1950, #172 in 1980, #67 in 2000, #42 in 2010, and #67 in 2025. Of the 265,886 US boys named Angel since records began, 35% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 62,959 babies. Since 2010, 91,949 more have been named Angel.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Gavin, Isaiah, Evan, Isaac, and Diego.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Angel ranked highest in Texas, Nevada, and New Mexico.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #18 | 937 |
| Nevada | #18 | 73 |
| New Mexico | #19 | 45 |
| Arizona | #20 | 193 |
| California | #25 | 942 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 85% of US babies named Angel over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Angel is usually pronounced AYN-juhl, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-el”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Angell.
Middle names for Angel
A few middle names that flow with Angel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Angel
Similar names
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Lists that include Angel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Angel mean?
Angel is a Greek and Spanish name that means “messenger”.
What is the origin of the name Angel?
Angel has Greek and Spanish roots. Angel comes from the Greek angelos, "messenger", the word used in the Bible for the heavenly messengers of God.
Is Angel a popular name?
Yes. Angel ranked #67 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Angel a boy or girl name?
Angel is mainly a boy's name. About 85% of US babies named Angel over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Angel?
Angel is usually pronounced AYN-juhl. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings