Axel

Complete Name Analysis & Etymology Guide
68,489 Total Births
145 Years of Data
2020 Peak Popularity Year
4,674 Peak Births

Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

The name Axel has Scandinavian origins, stemming from the Old Norse 'Ásgeirr', which combines the elements for 'god' and 'spear'. It signifies 'father of peace'. The name has evolved through various historical forms and gained significant popularity in the 19th century, becoming widely used in modern settings. Axel is associated with strength and creativity, and it has notable individuals such as Axel Rose and Axel Springer.

Etymology & Cultural Background

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Pronunciation

/ˈæksəl/

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Origin

Scandinavian

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Etymology

The name Axel is derived from the Old Norse name 'Ásgeirr', which is composed of the elements 'ás', meaning 'god', and 'geirr', meaning 'spear'.

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Meaning

Father of peace

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Language Evolution

Ásgeirr (Old Norse), Axel (Scandinavian), Axel (Modern English)

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Historical Usage

The name Axel gained popularity in the 19th century, especially in Scandinavia and later in other parts of Europe and the world.

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Variants & Derivatives

Aksel, Axelle, Akseli

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Modern Popularity & Image

Currently, Axel is perceived as a strong and modern name, often associated with creativity and individuality.

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Famous People

Axel Rose - Lead vocalist of the rock band Guns N' Roses, Axel Springer - German publisher and entrepreneur, Axel Witsel - Belgian professional footballer

📊 Trend Analysis

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Girl Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable
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Boy Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Declining
25-Year Trend: Consistently Rising

Explore More Name Visualizations

Key Insights

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Popularity Trend

Highly Popular name with 4,674 peak births in 2020

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Geographic Spread

Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada

Historical Span

Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends

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Generational Impact

Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity

🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (5 Variations)

Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 5 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.

Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.

Historical Birth Statistics

Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Yearly Ranking History

Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Boy 1189th of 7545 572
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Boy 2537th of 6773 166
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 2605th of 7552 188
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 2025th of 10718 342
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 1100th of 16616 1,400
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 278th of 24088 18,658
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 94th of 23106 46,623
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 15297th of 35406 74
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Girl 9579th of 30306 127

Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
49.51%
701st/1416
- - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- 59.55%
1447th/2430
- -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
49.30%
1448th/2937
35.92%
1251st/3483
- 41.02%
1659th/4044
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
33.27%
1226th/3685
21.43%
959th/4475
24.91%
1294th/5194
12.79%
808th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
7.81%
358th/4582
6.97%
360th/5164
3.82%
279th/7313
2.92%
218th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
3.16%
126th/3984
2.74%
123rd/4487
1.28%
87th/6822
1.32%
83rd/6276

Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - - -
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

State-by-State Popularity

This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.

Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States

This name shows strongest popularity in Nevada across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too rising for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1189th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2537th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2605th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2025th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1100th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 278th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 94th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15297th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9579th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Infographic: Name meaning, origin, and popularity trends in the United States (US baby name analysis chart)
[600x500px image] Etymology and historical popularity analysis
Infographic: Alternative spellings and similar pronunciation names
[600x500px image] Alternative spellings and similar pronunciation names