Last Name Angelo

Learn more about the origin of the last name Angelo

The meaning and origin of the last name Angelo

The surname "Angelo" has a fascinating origin and meaning. It is derived from the Greek word "angelos," which translates to "messenger" or "angel." In Greek mythology, angels were considered divine messengers sent from the gods to deliver important messages to humans. Over time, the name "Angelo" became associated with the Christian concept of angels, symbolizing purity, holiness, and protection. The surname Angelo is likely to have originated in Italy, where it is a common name, particularly in southern regions such as Sicily and Calabria. It could have been given to families whose ancestors were believed to have had a spiritual connection or demonstrated qualities associated with angels. As people with this surname migrated, particularly during periods of mass emigration from Italy, the name Angelo spread to different parts of the world, such as the United States and Canada, where it continues to be used by many families today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Angelo

The last name Angelo is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the southern regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. Italy, being the country of origin for this surname, has the highest concentration of individuals with the last name Angelo. Furthermore, due to historical factors such as emigration and migration, the surname Angelo has also spread to other parts of the world. In the United States, cities with Italian-American communities, such as New York City and Philadelphia, have notable populations of individuals with the last name Angelo. Additionally, other countries with Italian immigration, such as Argentina and Brazil, have also adopted the surname Angelo among their local populations. While the geographical distribution of the last name Angelo may vary, its strongest presence remains within Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Angelo

The last name Angelo has a few variations and spellings. One common variation is Angelos, which represents the Greek version of the name. Another variation is Angeles, which is the Spanish equivalent. In addition to these variations, there are a few different spellings of the name. Some individuals may spell it as Angello, dropping the second 'a' in the name. Others may spell it as Angeleau, including the French suffix '-eau' which means "little" or "of". Another possible spelling is Angelou, which resembles the name of the renowned American author and poet Maya Angelou. It's worth noting that these variations and spellings can differ depending on the region and cultural background of the individual bearing the last name Angelo. Overall, these variations and spellings contribute to the diversity and flexibility of the name Angelo.

Famous people with the last name Angelo

There are several famous people with the last name Angelo who have made significant contributions in various fields. One prominent figure is Michael Angelo Buonarroti, commonly known as Michelangelo. He was an Italian artist, sculptor, and architect of the High Renaissance, renowned for creating iconic masterpieces such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling in Vatican City and the statue of David. Another well-known personality is Angelo Dundee, a legendary American boxing trainer. He trained numerous world-class boxers, including Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and George Foreman, and played an instrumental role in their successful careers. Additionally, Emilio Angelo Ratti, also known as Pope Pius XI, served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1922 until his death in 1939. During his papacy, he established diplomatic relations with various nations and issued influential encyclicals that addressed social and political issues. These individuals exemplify the talent, expertise, and impact that famous people with the last name Angelo have had on the world stage.

Genealogical research on the last name Angelo

The surname Angelo has a rich genealogical history that can be traced back to ancient Italian origins. It is derived from the given name Angelo, which originated from the Greek word "angelos" meaning "messenger" or "angel". The Angelo family has predominantly originated from Italy, particularly in the regions of Sicily, Campania, and Calabria. It is believed that the surname spread to other parts of the world due to migrations and emigrations. As the family expanded, different branches formed, leading to variations in spelling and pronunciations of the name. Over the years, the Angelo surname has contributed to various notable individuals who have excelled in various fields such as art, literature, music, and sports. Today, the Angelo name can be found in different countries across the globe, with descendants continuing to explore their family history and roots through genealogical research.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Angelo"
• 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 : 11 April 2025