Ansel is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German name Adelhelm, which consists of two elements: 'adal', meaning noble or wealthy, and 'helm', which means helmet or protection. Therefore, Ansel means "noble protector" or "strong defender". This name has been used for centuries in various forms across Europe, including its French variant, Anselme.
The use of the name Ansel can be traced back to medieval times when it was popular among the nobility and clergy. Saint Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109), an Italian philosopher, theologian, and archbishop of Canterbury, is one of the most notable figures associated with this name. His writings on philosophy and theology have had a significant influence on Western thought.
Over time, Ansel has evolved into several variations, including Anselm, Anselmo (Italian), Anshelm (Swedish), and Ansell (English). It is also related to other Germanic names such as Oswald, Oswin, and Arnulf.
Today, Ansel continues to be used as a given name for boys, although it remains relatively uncommon. Despite its rich history and meaningful origin, Ansel has not experienced the same level of popularity as some other traditional names. However, it offers parents an opportunity to choose a unique yet significant name with deep roots in European history.
"The name Anslie has seen a steady increase in popularity from the late 1990s to around 2010, with peaks of 23 births in 2009 and 20 births in 2010. Since then, its usage has fluctuated but remained relatively stable, with a total of 255 births recorded between 1991 and 2021."