Axel is a name of Scandinavian origin, specifically Norwegian and Swedish. It comes from the Old Norse name Ásgöðr, which was used by the Norse god Aesir. The name means "god of the Æsir" or "enemy of the Æsir." In Norse mythology, the Æsir are a group of gods associated with war and heroic endeavors.
The name Axel has been in use for centuries, but it gained popularity in Europe during the 19th century. It became more widespread after it was used by characters in various literary works. For instance, Axel is a character in the French novel "Le Voyage autour de ma chambre" ("Journey Around My Room") by Xavier de Maistre.
Today, Axel is a popular name worldwide, although it remains particularly common in Scandinavian countries and in Germany. It is often associated with strength, courage, and wisdom due to its connection with Norse mythology. However, it's important to note that people named Axel may possess any variety of traits and characteristics, just like anyone else.
In terms of popularity, Axel has ranked among the top 1000 names for boys in the United States since the 1980s. It peaked in popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s but has since decreased slightly in usage. Nonetheless, it remains a beloved and respected name choice.
In conclusion, Axel is a strong, historical name with Scandinavian roots. Its meaning is connected to Norse mythology and its usage has been popularized through literature over the centuries. Today, it's still a widely recognized and used name around the world.
The name Axel experienced a significant surge in popularity from the late 20th century onwards. Before 1980, fewer than 30 births were recorded per year on average. However, starting around 1987, there was a notable increase, with over 50 births annually. This trend continued to rise rapidly, reaching over 4000 births in 2017 and peaking at nearly 5000 births in both 2020 and 2021. As of 2023, Axel remains one of the most popular names, with approximately 4500 births recorded thus far.