'angelocracy' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'angelos' meaning 'messenger, angel' and 'kratos' meaning 'power, rule.'

'angelocracy' was formed in English in the 19th century from the combination of 'angel' and the suffix '-cracy,' which denotes a form of government.

Initially, it meant 'rule by angels,' and this meaning has remained the same in modern usage, though it is mostly used in a mythical or theoretical context.