According to A. Bongioanni, Angelo is a personal name of Greek origin derived from ánghelos, meaning “messenger.” The name became widespread throughout Italy due to the veneration of numerous saints and blessed figures bearing the name. Several regional variants developed over time, including Angiolo and the older Agnolo in Tuscany, as well as Agnul, Anzul, and the rarer Anzil in Friuli. Some of these forms later evolved into hereditary surnames. Related surname forms and derivatives are also found in other Italian regions.

According to V. Blunda, the surname derives from the Greek word ánghelos, “messenger.” In Christian tradition, the term came to designate an angel, understood as a divine messenger. In Sicily, Angelo entered local naming traditions as a Greek given name adopted through Christian influence and was later transmitted as a hereditary surname from one generation to the next.