The story behind the name: How An'gard was born
• by Agnes Fojan
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What’s actually behind the name An'gard? Spoiler: It’s much more than just a cleverly combined made-up word. It’s a story about wanderlust, lonely paths – and the uneasy feeling that sometimes crept up on me during solo adventures.
Between French vocabulary and solitary hiking trails
I’ve always had a weakness for the French language. What started in school became my daily reality during my studies in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. But beyond Swiss chocolate and university life, one experience shaped that time most: being alone on the road.
Far from home, often alone in nature around Fribourg, I kept asking myself the same question: What if something happens? Who even knows where I am right now?
That feeling – that mix of boundless freedom and fragile solitude – stayed with me. Even back then, first ideas were born, not yet related to today’s project, but sharing the same essence: How can we stay safe when we’re on our own?
From “Ange Gardien” to “An'gard” – the birth of a guardian angel
Years later, while searching for the perfect name for my project, I went through dictionaries again. I needed something that represented safety, protection, and companionship – without sounding heavy or cumbersome.
The answer came from my French past: the guardian angel.
Ange Gardien – the French guardian angel – was perfect, but too long, too clunky. So, I took the best from both words:
Ange = the angel & Gardien = the guardian,
and An'gard was born – melodic, memorable, and full of meaning.
Your “guardian” in your pocket
The name says it all: An'gard is your personal guardian angel and companion for all solo adventures. It stands for focusing on what matters most – your passion, your journey, your adventure – while someone (or rather, something) watches over you.
More safety. More freedom. More focus on what truly counts.
Between French vocabulary and solitary hiking trails
I’ve always had a weakness for the French language. What started in school became my daily reality during my studies in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. But beyond Swiss chocolate and university life, one experience shaped that time most: being alone on the road.
Far from home, often alone in nature around Fribourg, I kept asking myself the same question: What if something happens? Who even knows where I am right now?
That feeling – that mix of boundless freedom and fragile solitude – stayed with me. Even back then, first ideas were born, not yet related to today’s project, but sharing the same essence: How can we stay safe when we’re on our own?
From “Ange Gardien” to “An'gard” – the birth of a guardian angel
Years later, while searching for the perfect name for my project, I went through dictionaries again. I needed something that represented safety, protection, and companionship – without sounding heavy or cumbersome.
The answer came from my French past: the guardian angel.
Ange Gardien – the French guardian angel – was perfect, but too long, too clunky. So, I took the best from both words:
Ange = the angel & Gardien = the guardian,
and An'gard was born – melodic, memorable, and full of meaning.
Your “guardian” in your pocket
The name says it all: An'gard is your personal guardian angel and companion for all solo adventures. It stands for focusing on what matters most – your passion, your journey, your adventure – while someone (or rather, something) watches over you.
More safety. More freedom. More focus on what truly counts.
FAQ
Why did you choose a French name even though An'gard is a German project?
The French language has accompanied me since my youth and shaped me especially during my time in French-speaking Switzerland. That’s also where the first ideas about safety while traveling alone emerged. The name An'gard connects this personal story with the project’s core idea: a guardian angel that accompanies you. Plus, “An'gard” sounds international and memorable – perfect for a project meant to support people on their adventures anywhere in the world.
How do you pronounce An'gard correctly?
Good question! The best way to pronounce it is the French way: “An-gar” (with a soft “g” as in “garage”). The apostrophe reminds of the fusion between “Ange” and “Gardien.” But don’t worry – no matter how you say it, the most important thing is that An'gard keeps you safe! 😊