Angus
BoyScottish, Irish· “one strength”
- Meaning
- one strength
- Origin
- Scottish, Irish
- Pronunciation
- ANG-guhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,363
- US babies 2025
- 58
- Best rank
- #365 (1882)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Angus
Angus is a Scottish and Irish name that means “one strength”.
One strength or one choice is the meaning of the Gaelic Aonghas, the source of Angus. In Irish mythology, Aengus Óg was a god of love and youth, known for his beauty and poetic spirit. Angus is also the name of a region in Scotland, and it has long been a traditional Scottish given name. The name has a strong, rugged sound and a sense of heritage. Gus is a friendly nickname, and the Aberdeen Angus cattle breed, which developed in northeast Scotland, carries the regional name.
Popularity over time
Angus has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 52 different years. Its best national rank was #365 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 2006, when 126 were named Angus. In 2025, 58 babies were named Angus, and it ranked #2,363 nationally. That is 34% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #877 in 1920, #1,183 in 1950, #1,808 in 1980, #1,341 in 2000, #1,740 in 2010, and #2,363 in 2025. Of the 6,751 US boys named Angus since records began, 15% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 856 babies. Since 2010, 1,279 more have been named Angus.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Gabe, Tayshawn, Hyrum, Marcelino, and Paulo.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Angus ranked highest in Utah and New York.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Angus is usually pronounced ANG-guhs, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-us”.
Middle names for Angus
A few middle names that flow with Angus: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Angus
Similar names
Lists that include Angus
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Angus mean?
Angus is a Scottish and Irish name that means “one strength”.
What is the origin of the name Angus?
Angus has Scottish and Irish roots. One strength or one choice is the meaning of the Gaelic Aonghas, the source of Angus.
Is Angus a popular name?
Not especially. Angus ranked #2,363 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Angus a boy or girl name?
Angus is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Angus?
Angus is usually pronounced ANG-guhs. 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