Ancel is of German origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'ans' meaning 'god' and 'hel' referring to a helmet. It's a unique and distinctive name, quite rare in modern times, which adds to its appeal for those seeking an unusual choice. The name Ancel was popular during the Middle Ages but has since fallen out of fashion, making it a compelling option for parents looking for a vintage yet uncommon name for their child.
The name Ancel experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. With a total of 751 births recorded between 1883 and 2019, it appears to have been most popular during World War I, with peaks of 22 births in both 1914 and 1915. However, it became quite uncommon after the 1920s, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1936 onwards, except for a brief resurgence in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Since the 1990s, Ancel has seen some renewed interest, with more than five births recorded each year since 2000.