Meaning & History
Engla is a Swedish female given name that originated as a feminine form of Engel. The name Engel itself is derived from Germanic names beginning with the element angil, which refers to the Angles, a Germanic tribe. From early times, Engel has also been associated with the Old German word engil meaning "angel" (from Latin and Greek).
Etymology
According to Swedish etymological sources, Engla entered use as a given name in the 17th century. First recorded in 1642 as Engela, it likely arrived via German influence, where short forms of Old High German compound names beginning with Engel- were popular. While the original element denoted a member of the Angelic tribe, it came to be reinterpreted as referring to angels due to phonetic resemblance.
Cultural Significance
In Sweden, Engla is a well-established feminine name, though it is not among the most common. Its usage reflects the broader Scandinavian tradition of adapting continental European names, especially those associated with religious or virtuous concepts like angels. The name shares a root with related names across Europe, including Àngela (Catalan), Anzhela (Ukrainian), and Anxhela (Albanian).
Notable Bearers
Notable bearers include Engla Catharina Winge (19th-century painter), though instances of the name in historical records are limited.
- Meaning: Feminine form of Engel; also associated with "angel"
- Origin: Germanic, via Swedish adoption
- Type: First name
- Usage regions: Sweden
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Engla