D'Angelo is a variant of DeAngelo. Like DeAngelo, D'Angelo combines the prefix De (a shortened form of the Italian preposition di, meaning 'of') with Angelo, an Italian form of the Latin Angelus. Ultimately, the name traces back to the Greek word angelos ('messenger'), which yields the English name Angel. The prefix indicates 'belonging or dedicated to,' so D'Angelo can be interpreted as 'of the angels' or 'belonging to Angelo.' Etymology and History The modern Italian Angelo derives from the Latin Angelus, which in turn comes from the Greek ἄγγελος (angelos), meaning 'messenger.' In Christian tradition, angels are messengers of God, and the name Angelus was borne by a 13th-century Jerusalem priest venerated as Saint Angelus. D'Angelo and its variant DeAngelo emerged in Italian-American and African American communities, where compound names beginning with De or D' (e.g., DeShawn, D'Andre) became popular in the late 20th century as a way to create distinctive given names. D'Angelo combines this prefix directly with the name Angelo, omitting the space used in DeAngelo. Notable Bearers The most famous bearer is the American singer, songwriter, and record producer Michael Eugene Archer (1974–2025), known professionally as D'Angelo. A pioneer of neo-soul, he gained acclaim with his 1995 debut album Brown Sugar, featuring the hit singles 'Brown Sugar,' 'Cruisin',' and 'Lady.' He was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2025. Rolling Stone ranked him among the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, and Billboard named him one of the greatest R&B artists. The name dropped sharply after the singer's death, but the musician's legacy has given D'Angelo an enduring association with soulful artistry. Cultural Significance In broader contexts, D'Angelo is used almost exclusively as a male given name in African American communities, often carrying connotations of creativity and soul due to the singer's influence. It belongs to a pattern of invented names beginning with D' that emerged from Italian-American and African American naming traditions. While the root Angelo has been historically common in Italy and other Christian-majority countries, prefixed variants like D'Angelo remain more prevalent in the United States. Meaning: 'Of the angels' (via prefix De + Angelo) Origin: Derived from Italian Angelo, ultimately from Greek angelos (messenger) Type: Given name (masculine) Usage regions: Primarily African American, also Italian-American