Angelique

Angelique is a feminine given name of French origin. It derives from the French Angélique, which itself comes from the Latin angelicus meaning “angelic” or “like an angel.” The name is used in Francophone countries and in communities influenced by French culture, carrying connotations of grace and virtue.

Variants of the name include Angélique (the standard French spelling) and Angélica in Spanish and Portuguese contexts. In English, related forms include Angela, Angeline, and Angel, among others. The name is more common in some French-speaking regions than in others and appears in literature, film, and popular culture.

In literature and media, Angélique is the title character in the Angélique novels by Anne and Serge Golon, a historical romance series beginning in the 1950s. The books follow Angélique de Peyrac in 17th- and 18th-century France and were widely translated; the series inspired film adaptations in the 1960s and contributed to the name’s visibility in popular culture.

In video games, Angelique refers to a long-running dating simulation/role-playing game series developed by Koei’s Ruby Party. The first game was released in 1994, and the franchise expanded with numerous sequels and remakes, making it a notable entry in its genre.

Notable people with the name include Angélique Kidjo (born 1960), a Beninese singer and activist who has won multiple Grammy Awards. The name remains in use in many countries, especially in French-speaking communities.