Axel: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced AK-suhl · 2 syllables
Axel means “father of peace (from Absalom)”, from Norse and Hebrew.
From Danish Aksel, first used for the bishop and statesman Absalon Hvide (1128–1201), from biblical Absalom. Some sources suggest that the bishop was originally named Askell, from Old Norse "god" + "cauldron, helmet", and Absalon was chosen as the nearest-sounding Christian equivalent, leading to the exchange of the middle consonants.
- Meaning
- father of peace (from Absalom)
- Origin
- Norse, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- AK-suhl
- US rank (2025)
- #79
- US babies a year
- about 4,492 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Rising
How popular is Axel?
Axel was the #79 name in the US in 2025, given to 4,148 babies. It’s rising: up 56% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #79 |
| England & Wales | #168 |
| Scotland | #164 |
| Northern Ireland | #392 |
| Ireland | #247 |
| France | #59 |
| Norway | #126 |
| Canada | #101 |
| Australia | #152 |
How old are people named Axel?
Half of US adults named Axel are older than 23; most are between 18 and 42. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Axel
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Axel have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Axel
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Axel
What does the name Axel mean?
Axel means “father of peace (from Absalom)”. It comes from Norse and Hebrew.
How do you pronounce Axel?
Axel is pronounced AK-suhl.
How popular is the name Axel?
Axel was the #79 name in the US in 2025, given to 4,148 babies. It’s rising: up 56% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Axel?
Half of US adults named Axel are older than 23. Most are between 18 and 42.