The name Angelou is of French origin and means "angel". It is derived from the French word for angel, "ange", combined with the suffix "-lou", which was commonly used in medieval France to denote a person or thing associated with an ange. The name has been in use since the Middle Ages, but it gained popularity during the Victorian era when there was a renewed interest in angelic and celestial themes.
Angelou is often considered a unisex name, although it is more commonly used for girls. It can also be spelled Angelou or Angellou. Some variations of the name include Angeline, Angela, and Angie.
The name Angelou has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. Maya Angelou was an American poet and civil rights activist who was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in 1928. She is best known for her autobiographical books, including "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", which recount her experiences growing up in the Southern United States during the Jim Crow era.
Another notable figure with the name Angelou is James Baldwin Angelou, who was an American politician and diplomat. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 1977 to 1978 under President Jimmy Carter.
In literature and popular culture, the name Angelou has been used by several characters, including Angela Chase in the television series "My So-Called Life" and Angelou Schofield in the novel "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker.
There were five babies named Angelou born each year from 2014 onwards.