Why Is Los Angeles Called the City of Angels?

 Los Angeles is called the “City of Angels” because its name literally means “The Angels” in Spanish. The city’s full original name was “El Pueblo de la Reina de los Angeles,” which means “The Town of the Queen of the Angels.” This name was given by the Spanish settlers who established the pueblo in 1781 near a river they named Río de Porciúncula.

The name “El Pueblo de la Reina de los Angeles” reflects the Spanish colonial influence in the region. The Spanish settlers, led by California Governor Felipe de Neve, founded the settlement with 44 settlers from Sonora and Mazatlán. The name was later shortened to Los Angeles, giving rise to the nickname “City of Angels.”

The nickname carries cultural significance as it highlights the city’s historical roots and its connection to the Spanish missions. The Franciscans, led by Junípero Serra, established missions in the area, including San Gabriel and San Fernando, which played a crucial role in the region’s development. The name serves as a reminder of the city’s origins.