Axel
Axel is a boy's name of Norse origin.
Meaning
Father of peace.
Origin and history
Axel is a Scandinavian name derived from the Hebrew name Absalom, meaning 'father of peace'. It has enjoyed a dramatic rise in popularity in the United States in recent decades, becoming a modern favorite. Today, it stands as a stylish and energetic choice with strong historical roots in Northern Europe.
Popularity in the United States
72,459 babies in the United States have been named Axel since 1880. It ranks #393 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #73.
States where it is most popular
- CA (17.2 %)
- TX (16.5 %)
- NY (5 %)
- FL (4.8 %)
- IL (4.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 163 |
| 1890-1900 | 165 |
| 1900-1910 | 86 |
| 1910-1920 | 291 |
| 1920-1930 | 232 |
| 1930-1940 | 89 |
| 1940-1950 | 81 |
| 1950-1960 | 85 |
| 1960-1970 | 168 |
| 1970-1980 | 222 |
| 1980-1990 | 446 |
| 1990-2000 | 1,534 |
| 2000-2010 | 10,613 |
| 2010-2019 | 31,809 |
| 2020-2029 | 26,475 |
Famous people named Axel
- Axel Rose: Singer, Songwriter
- Axel Oxenstierna: Statesman, Chancellor
Fun facts
- Long popular in Denmark and Sweden, Axel has surged into the top 100 boys' names in the U.S. in recent years.
- The name evolved from the Old Norse form Absalon, which traces back to the Biblical Hebrew name Avshalom.