DeAngelo is a masculine given name primarily used among African Americans. It is a combination of the popular name prefix de and Angelo, a formation that emerged in the late 20th century, particularly during the 1990s. The prefix de is often used in African-American naming conventions to create distinctive, melodic names, frequently paired with existing names to form new coinages like D'Angelo or DeAndre.EtymologyThe name Angelo is the Italian form of the masculine name Angelus, which derives from the Greek word ἄγγελος (angelos), meaning "messenger." The ultimate root is Angel, from the medieval Latin masculine name Angelus, referring to a heavenly creature or messenger. The name Angelus was borne by a 13th-century saint and priest from Jerusalem, though the name has never been very common in English-speaking regions. DeAngelo thus carries an indirect connection to the concept of a divine messenger.Historical and Cultural ContextWiktionary records two distinct etymologies for DeAngelo: one as a Italian-derived surname (from De Angelo meaning "of Angelo"), and another as an African-American coinage using the prefix De-. The latter is the more familiar usage as a given name, originating in the 1990s within African-American communities. The name is also used as a surname, particularly in Italian-American contexts, where it sometimes appears in forms such as De Angelo or D'Angelo.The name is part of a broader trend of compound names in African-American culture, where prefixes like De-, La-, Sha-, and Ty- are creatively attached to existing names to produce unique identities. Variants include D'Angelo, Deangelo, and DeAngelo, and the feminine counterpart is Deangela.Popularity and DistributionDeAngelo is primarily a given name in the United States, especially among African Americans. It saw increased usage in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reflecting broader trends in creative naming. As a surname, it is more common in families of Italian descent.Meaning: Combination of the prefix de and Angelo ("messenger")Origin: African-American coinage (1990s); also Italian surnameType: Given name, maleUsage regions: Primarily United States (African American community)