Angelus, derived from the Latin word for 'angel', is a unique and historic given name. Originating from the Late Latin phrase 'ave angelus', which translates to 'hail angel' or 'greetings, O angel', it carries a celestial connotation that has captivated people throughout history.
The name Angelus rose to prominence during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among Catholic communities. It was often given to boys born around the Feast of the Annunciation, celebrated on March 25th, which commemorates the announcement by the archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive Jesus Christ.
Angelus is composed of five letters: A, N, G, E, L, U. The name's phonetics vary slightly across languages but are generally pronounced as /ˈænʒələs/ in English and /ˈændʒɛlus/ in French.
Notable figures who have borne the name Angelus include Angelus Silesius, a 17th-century German poet and priest known for his mystical poetry; Angelus Trocchi, an Italian-Scottish writer and physician associated with the Beat Generation; and Angelus Novus, a painting by Paul Klee that was famously interpreted by Walter Benjamin as the angel of history. These figures, along with many others, have contributed to the rich tapestry of cultural heritage that surrounds this distinctive name.
Today, while not as commonly used as it once was, Angelus remains an uncommon yet captivating name choice for parents seeking a unique and historically significant moniker for their child. Its celestial origins and association with historic figures continue to inspire those who bear the name or are simply drawn to its enchanting sound.
The name Angelus experienced significant popularity between the years 2000 to 2004, with a peak of 31 births in 2003. However, there was a steady decline afterwards, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 8 births in 2016 and 9 births each in 2017 and 2018. The last two years saw a slight increase, with 10 births in both 2020 and 2023.