Ansel is a name of German origin, derived from the Germanic element 'ansu', which means 'god'. It was popularized by Saint Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109), an Italian monk and philosopher who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury. The name Ansel is typically associated with wisdom, learning, and spirituality due to its connection with this notable historical figure. In literature, it gained further recognition through the character Ansel Adams in John Steinbeck's novel "The Winter of Our Discontent". Today, Ansel remains a relatively uncommon name but is often chosen for its unique sound and rich history.
The name Ansel has seen a gap of nearly a century between its popularity, with no recorded births between 1918 and 2016.