The beginning of An'gard
• by Agnes Fojan
Between French vocabulary and lonely hiking trails
I developed a fondness for the French language early on. What began at school became part of everyday life during my studies in French-speaking Switzerland. But beyond Swiss chocolate and university life, one experience above all shaped that time: being on my own.
Far from home, often alone in nature around Fribourg, I kept asking myself the same question: What if something happens? Does anyone even know where I am?
This feeling – a mix of boundless freedom and vulnerable solitude – never really left me. Even back then, the first ideas began to form. They had little to do with today’s project, but shared the same core: How can we stay safe while being out there alone?
From "Ange Gardien" to "An'gard" – the birth of a guardian angel
Years later, while searching for the perfect name for my project, I found myself flipping through dictionaries again. I needed something that embodied safety, protection, and companionship – without sounding heavy or cumbersome.
The answer came from my French past: the guardian angel.
Ange Gardien – the French term for guardian angel – was perfect. But still too long, too bulky. So I took the best from both words:
Ange = the angel & Gardien = the guardian
and it became An'gard – melodic, memorable, and full of meaning.
Your “guardian” for your pocket
The name says it all: An'gard is your personal guardian angel and companion for all solo adventures. It stands for allowing you to focus on what truly matters – your passion, your journey, your adventure – while someone (or rather: something) is looking out for you.
More safety. More freedom. More focus on what really matters.
I developed a fondness for the French language early on. What began at school became part of everyday life during my studies in French-speaking Switzerland. But beyond Swiss chocolate and university life, one experience above all shaped that time: being on my own.
Far from home, often alone in nature around Fribourg, I kept asking myself the same question: What if something happens? Does anyone even know where I am?
This feeling – a mix of boundless freedom and vulnerable solitude – never really left me. Even back then, the first ideas began to form. They had little to do with today’s project, but shared the same core: How can we stay safe while being out there alone?
From "Ange Gardien" to "An'gard" – the birth of a guardian angel
Years later, while searching for the perfect name for my project, I found myself flipping through dictionaries again. I needed something that embodied safety, protection, and companionship – without sounding heavy or cumbersome.
The answer came from my French past: the guardian angel.
Ange Gardien – the French term for guardian angel – was perfect. But still too long, too bulky. So I took the best from both words:
Ange = the angel & Gardien = the guardian
and it became An'gard – melodic, memorable, and full of meaning.
Your “guardian” for your pocket
The name says it all: An'gard is your personal guardian angel and companion for all solo adventures. It stands for allowing you to focus on what truly matters – your passion, your journey, your adventure – while someone (or rather: something) is looking out for you.
More safety. More freedom. More focus on what really matters.
FAQ
Why did you choose a French name, even though An'gard is a German project?
The French language has been part of my life since my youth and had a particularly strong influence on me during my time in French-speaking Switzerland. That’s also where the first thoughts about safety while being out alone began to take shape. The name An'gard combines this personal story with the core idea of the project: a guardian angel that accompanies you. At the same time, “An'gard” sounds internationally accessible and memorable – perfect for a project designed to support people on their adventures anywhere in the world.
How do you pronounce An'gard correctly?
Good question! The best way is to pronounce it like in French: “An-gar” (with a soft “g,” as in “garage”). The apostrophe reflects the fusion of the two words “Ange” and “Gardien.” But don’t worry – no matter how you pronounce it, what really matters is that An'gard keeps you safe along the way.