Ansel is a unique and distinctive given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German words "ans" meaning "god" and "helm" which means "helmet". Therefore, Ansel translates to "god's helmet".
The name Ansel has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was popular among the nobility in Germany during this period, with some notable figures bearing the name including Saint Anselm of Canterbury, who was an archbishop and philosopher in the 11th century.
Over time, the popularity of the name Ansel has varied, but it has maintained a certain level of uniqueness. Today, it is still considered a rare and special name, often chosen by parents looking for something distinctive for their child. Despite its rarity, Ansel has not lost its charm or historical significance.
In terms of pronunciation, Ansel is typically pronounced as "AN-sel", with the emphasis on the first syllable. It rhymes with names likeelsen and lens.
Overall, Ansel is a strong and distinct name with a rich history and meaningful origin. Its unique sound and Germanic roots make it an appealing choice for parents seeking something special for their child.
These statistics show a varied trend in the number of births named Ansel over time. The name's popularity peaked around the early to mid-20th century, with significant spikes in the years 1912 (22 births), 1913 (32 births), and 1914 (30 births). However, since the 1970s, the number of births named Ansel has consistently declined, with fewer than 50 occurrences per year from 1974 onwards. In recent years, the number has fluctuated between approximately 100 to 160 births annually, reaching a peak in 2018 with 171 births and dropping to 146 in 2022. Overall, there have been a total of 4460 births named Ansel from 1882 to 2023.