Angelina is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word 'angelo,' which means 'angel.' Therefore, the name Angelina literally translates to 'little angel.'
The use of the name Angelina can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Italy. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the name began to gain popularity outside of Italy. In the United States, for instance, its usage became more common during the late Victorian era.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Angelina. One of the most famous is Italian actress and singer Angelina Selbach, who was active in the early 20th century. Additionally, the name gained further recognition through characters in literature and film, such as Angelina Jolie's titular role in the 1995 film 'Foxfire.'
Despite its Italian origins, Angelina has been embraced by various cultures worldwide. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name that conveys innocence, grace, and divine beauty.
The name Angelina has been given to babies born in the United States since at least 1880, with a total of 124,388 recorded births as of 2023. The popularity of the name fluctuated significantly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with fewer than 50 births per year until the 1960s.
From the 1960s onwards, the name Angelina began to gain traction, with a significant increase in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. The peak of this trend occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s, coinciding with the rise to fame of actress Angelina Jolie. During these years, Angelina was consistently one of the top 50 names given to baby girls in the United States.
However, since around 2006, the popularity of the name Angelina has begun to decline once again. In recent years, it has dropped out of the top 1,000 most popular names for girls, suggesting that its current usage is quite rare compared to its peak popularity during the early 2000s.
In conclusion, while Angelina was a relatively uncommon name throughout much of American history, its popularity surged in recent decades, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, its usage has since declined, and it is now considered quite rare compared to other popular girl names today.