An Archangel is a superior or higher-ranking angel. They are to be found in a number of religious traditions, including Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The word 'archangel' derives from the Greek arche (ruler or source) and angelos (messenger).

In Judaism

There are no explicit references to archangels in the canonical texts of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Indeed even angels are uncommon except in later works like Daniel. The earliest references to archangels are in the literature of the intertestamental period (e.g. 4 Esdras 4.36).

It is therefore widely speculated that Jewish interest in angels was learned during the Babylonian captivity. According to Rabbi Simeon ben Lakish of Tiberias (230–270 CE), all the specific names for the angels were brought back by the Jews from Babylon, and some modern commentators would argue that the details of the angelic hierarchy were largely Zoroastrian in origin.

Within the rabbinic tradition and the Kabbalah, the usual number given is at least seven: Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel, Sariel, Raguel, and Remiel (possibly the Ramiel of the Apocalypse of Baruch, said to preside over true visions). Zadkiel, Jophiel, and Chamuel are also listed as archangels.
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In Christianity

Gabriel, traditionaly named as an archangel, delivering the Annunciation. Painting by El Greco (1575)

The New Testament rarely speaks of angels, and makes only two references to archangels, Michael in Jude 1.9, (which is referring in passing to a Jewish legend) and I Thessalonians 4:16, where the `voice of an archangel` will be heard at the return of Christ. Contrary to popular belief Gabriel is never called 'archangel' in the Gospels.

In later Christian tradition, however, there are three Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael (and sometimes Uriel is given as a fourth). Eastern Christian tradition mentions seven archangels. Uriel is included, and the other three are most often cited as Salathiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel.

Sometimes Lucifer/Satan is considered a fallen archangel (Ezekiel 28:12-17).

Some Protestants view Michael as the sole archangel, as the only one explicitly mentioned as such in the Bible. However, in general, Protestant interest in angels has been low.

The Protestant Bible actually never mentions a "Raphael", and is therefore not recognized by many. Raphael, however, is mentioned in the Book of Tobit, one of the deuterocanonical books. In the story, Raphael comes to the aid of Tobit, healing him of blindness, and his son Tobias, driving away a demon that would have killed him.
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In Islam

In Islam, the archangels are Michael or Mikael (Archangel of the Weather), Gabriel or Jibril (who brought the Koran to Muhammad), Azrael (Angel of Death), Israfil or Isra'afeel (Archangel who is to blow the horn on Judgement Day, though Israfel was never an angel in Islam originally), Malik (Keeper of Hell) and Munkar and Nakir (Angels of Interrogation that will question deceased souls on their life before their death).

Iblis was chief of the Jinns though not an angel himself, but fell from his position during the Creation for refusing God's commandment to accept Adam (and man) as superior being and bow to him.
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Other traditions

Occultists sometimes associate archangels in Kabbalistic fashion with various seasons or elements, or even colors. In some (possibly early?) Christian rites, all four of the main archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel) were invoked as guarding the four quarters, or directions, and the colors associated with them are associated with their "magical" properties.

Among the Tarish, the four archangels are Michael, Gabriel, Tariel (aka Raphael), and Lucifer.

In art, archangels are usually depicted with larger wings and many eyes. The most often represented archangels are Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

Gli Angeli e i Demoni

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