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SunAug 18

National Angela Day – August 18, 2024

National Angela Day falls on August 18 and celebrates everyone who bears the name. Angela is a female given name. Its origin is from the Spanish, German, Italian, and Greek cultures and its background is Christian. The name is derived from the Greek word ‘ángelos,’ meaning ‘angel’ or ‘messenger of God.’ In the U.S., Angela was at its most popular between 1965 and 1979, when it was ranked among the top 10 girl names. The name has been ranked among the 300 most popular names since 1900. However, it has been dropping from its peak of popularity, having fallen to 256th place by 2019. Today, Angelina or Angelica would be more fashionable options. Angelina was ranked as the 69th most popular name in 2008 in the U.S.

History of National Angela Day

Angela has many prominent namesakes, including activist Angela Davis, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and actresses Angela Bassett, Angela Lansbury, and Angela Kinsey. These women have achieved incredible success in their different spheres.

Bassett’s long and illustrious career is full of awards and nominations from 1993 to 2008. These include the Image Awards, Black Reel Awards for Television, B.E.T. Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Golden Globe Awards, among many others. She was also inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008.

Merkel made history in 2005 as the first female Chancellor of Germany. She held the position until 2021. Merkel also served as leader of the Opposition from 2002 to 2005 and as Leader of the Christian Democratic Union from 2000 to 2018. During her term as Chancellor, Merkel was often referred to as the de facto leader of the European Union and the most powerful woman in the world.

Lansbury began her acting career at 16 years old with a theatrical job as a nightclub act at the Samovar Club, Montreal. She progressed to become one of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s B-list stars. She was featured in Broadway performances and other independent films. “The New York Times” crowned Lansbury the “First Lady of Musical Theater” in the 1960s.

In 2002, Lansbury received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the “British Academy of Film and Television Arts.” She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1994 Birthday Honors, and in the 2014 New Year Honors, promoted to a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services in drama, charitable work, and philanthropy. Lansbury was also nominated for 18 Emmy Awards.

National Angela Day timeline

1942
Big Earnings

Lansbury signs a seven-year contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, earning $500 a week.

1958
A Star is Born

Bassett is born on August 16 in New York City.

1980s
Starting Out

Bassett begins her acting career.

2005—2021
A German Leader

Merkel serves as the chancellor of Germany during this period.

National Angela Day FAQs

What religion is Merkel?

Merkel is a Protestant.

What was Bassett's first T.V. appearance?

Bassett made her television debut as a prostitute in the made-for-T.V. movie “Doubletake.”

How many books have Davis written?

Davis wrote more than 10 books that showcased her views on class, gender, race, and the U.S. prison system.

National Angela Day Activities

  1. {Watch the films

    Davis and Lansbury have been featured in many highly acclaimed productions. Have a movie night with your pals and binge-watch to your content.

  2. Hug an Angela

    Angelas deserve all the love and appreciation in the world! Hug them and let them know that you value them.

  3. Learn some history

    There is a lot to learn about the name Angela. Throughout history, you'll come across interesting characters with this name.

5 Interesting Facts About Angelas

  1. Bassett attained higher education

    Bassett was the only member of her family to have gone to college and graduate school.

  2. Lansbury was well-loved

    A 1994 article in “People” magazine awarded Lansbury a perfect score on its ‘lovability index.’

  3. Lansbury had a deadly addiction

    In early life, Lansbury was a chain smoker but gave up the habit in the mid-1960s.

  4. Merkel loves Science

    Merkel studied Physics at Karl Marx University and worked as a research scientist in the late 1980s.

  5. Merkel can speak Russian

    Merkel learned the Russian language at school during her childhood in East Germany.

Why We Love National Angela Day

  1. We celebrate prominent people

    People named Angela are held in high regard in their chosen fields. Observing National Angela Day is the perfect way to acknowledge them.

  2. We learn history

    The name ‘Angela’ is steeped in history. Reading up on her can help you understand the past and appreciate the present.

  3. We become inspired to do our best

    Merkel’s background in Science proved useful in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, for which she earned praise from the international community. Why not choose from the list of famed Angelas and emulate her success?

National Angela Day dates

YearDateDay
2024August 18Sunday
2025August 18Monday
2026August 18Tuesday
2027August 18Wednesday
2028August 18Friday

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