Last Name Angele

The surname Angele is of Old French origin and it means "angel." It was originally a given name, derived from the Latin word 'angelus,' which refers to an angel. Over time, as families developed hereditary names, some individuals with the given name Angele adopted this surname for themselves and their descendants. This surname is found throughout France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and other countries with significant French influence.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Angele

The meaning and origin of the last name Angele

The surname Angele is of French origin, derived from various sources. One possible origin is a diminutive form of the given name Angel, which means "messenger" in Greek. Another possibility is that it could have originated from the Old Provencal word "angeu," meaning "angle" or "corner." It was common for surnames to be geographical indicators, reflecting a person's place of origin. However, in this case, there isn't substantial evidence pointing towards a specific geographical location as the origin of the name Angele. The use of the name can also be traced back to Germany and the Netherlands, where it was brought by French immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Angele

The surname Angele is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Alsace and Lorraine, where it originates from the Old French term "ange," meaning "angel." However, it has also spread to other parts of the world due to historical events like immigration and colonization. In Switzerland, it is most common in the cantons of Bern, Fribourg, and Valais, reflecting the historical connections between these areas and France. Beyond Europe, significant populations bearing the surname Angele can be found in various parts of North America, particularly in Canada and the United States, as a result of French Canadian immigration and the Louisiana Purchase. Additionally, there are also small communities with the surname in countries like Australia, South Africa, and Brazil, which were destinations for French settlers over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Angele

The surname Angele has multiple variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variations include Angelo, Anjou, Angel, Anglier, and Anjel. These variations may originate from different countries or historical periods but share a common root, often derived from the Greek name "Angelos" which means messenger. In French, it can also be spelled as Angelet, Angelette, Anjelot, and Anjette. Additionally, the feminine forms of these names can include Angelique, Anjelica, Angella, and Anjoula, among others. The variations and spellings of the surname Angele reflect its diverse historical usage across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Angele

Notable individuals with the surname Angele include:

1. Claude Angele (1876-1932), a Swiss artist known for his landscapes and portraits. His works are featured in several museums, including the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire in Geneva.

2. Jean Anouilh (1910-1987), born René-Charles-Antoine-Claude-Marie Angele, was a French playwright and screenwriter. He wrote over 50 plays, some of the most famous being "Antigone," "The Lark," and "Becket."

3. Gwen Stefani (born 1969), although not using Angele as her stage name, is an American singer-songwriter with French roots. Her mother, Patti Flynn, was of French descent, with the surname Angele being part of her family history.

4. Jean Anouilh Jr. (born 1938), a French actor and director, son of playwright Jean Anouilh. He has acted in numerous films and television series, as well as directing theater productions.

5. Cédric Angele (born 1994), a French professional footballer who plays as a striker for Swiss club FC Luzern.

Genealogical research on the last name Angele

The surname Angele is of French origin and is derived from the personal name Angelo, which means "messenger of God" in Greek. It is a common surname in various European countries, particularly France, Switzerland, and Germany. The earliest recorded occurrence of the name Angele in Europe dates back to the 13th century in France. In France, it is predominantly found in the regions of Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté. Notable individuals with the surname include French philosopher René Angélil (1694–1758) and Swiss ice hockey player Nino Niederreiter, who was born to parents with the surnames Angele and Niederreiter but hyphenated his names for professional reasons. The name's popularity and geographical distribution suggest a potential migration from France to other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Angele"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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