The Angels were formed in 1961. They originally played the first couple of years in Los Angeles and were called the Los Angeles Angels. They moved to Orange County (where the city of Anaheim is located) in 1966. I'm guessing they got their name while playing in Los Angeles (it being considered the City of Angels) but couldn't tell you for sure. I'm sure someone on Mudcat knows the complete history. I believe Gene Autry's wife Jackie had something to do with the naming of the team.