Angela
Peaked at #5 nationally in 1974, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Angela has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
Meaning & origin
Angela is the feminine form of Angelus, from the Greek "angelos," meaning "messenger" — the same root as "angel." It moved into common use as a given name across Europe by the medieval period.
Notable people & culture
Angela peaked at #5 in 1974; actress Angela Lansbury and German chancellor Angela Merkel are among the name's most recognizable modern bearers, spanning entertainment and world politics alike.
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Angela — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#5
in 1974
Current rank
#282
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1880, Angela reached its peak popularity for girls in 1974, ranking #5 nationally with 22,803 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #191 (2014) to #282 (2024) — a 32% drop.
As of 2024, Angela ranks #282 nationally for girls, with 1,117 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #282 | 1,117 |
| 2023 | #255 | 1,213 |
| 2022 | #226 | 1,321 |
| 2021 | #235 | 1,282 |
| 2020 | #251 | 1,189 |
| 2019 | #257 | 1,271 |
| 2018 | #265 | 1,242 |
| 2017 | #235 | 1,351 |
Angela — Boys (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#848
in 1971
Last ranked
#9057
in 2008
Years tracked
80
1918–2008
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1918, Angela reached its peak popularity for boys in 1971, ranking #848 nationally with 92 babies given the name that year.
Angela hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 2008, when it stood at #9057.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | #9,057 | 8 |
| 2007 | #9,837 | 7 |
| 2006 | #8,035 | 9 |
| 2005 | #7,134 | 10 |
| 2004 | #7,561 | 9 |
| 2003 | #5,893 | 12 |
| 2002 | #7,680 | 8 |
| 2001 | #5,687 | 12 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Angela most popular?
Angela was most popular in 1974, when it ranked #5 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Angela becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently falling, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Angela?
At least 674,615 babies have been recorded with the name Angela in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Angela? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.