'Angolans' originates from Portuguese, specifically the word 'Angola', which in turn comes from the Kimbundu word 'Ngola' meaning 'king' or 'ruler'.

'Ngola' (Kimbundu) became the place-name 'Angola' in Portuguese; English formed the demonym 'Angolan' from the place-name, and the regular plural became 'Angolans'.

Initially, the root 'Ngola' referred to a title meaning 'king' or 'ruler'; over time it became a place-name ('Angola') and later came to denote people from that place ('Angolan' / 'Angolans').