Axel
- Meaning
- Father of peace
- Origin
- Hebrew, Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- AK-sel
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What does Axel mean?
Axel means “Father of peace”.
Axel is a Scandinavian form of Absalom, the Hebrew name traditionally meaning “father of peace.” Its compact spelling can hide that older connection. Absalom appears in the Bible as a son of King David, while Axel developed as a distinct form in Scandinavian naming traditions.
Axel’s associations extend beyond its origin, from a character in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth to Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop. Musician Axl Rose uses the shorter Axl spelling; that connection does not make Axel an invented rock name. Aksel is another established spelling, and Akseli is a related form. Parents may like the contrast between the strong consonants in the name and the peaceful meaning inherited from its name family.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Variations & related forms
Related forms and spellings recorded for this name.
How popular is Axel?
United States · 2025Explore how often Axel is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US boys rank
- #79 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Boys named Axel
- 4,140 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 2.7% Fewer than 2024
Axel over time
United States · Boys
Recorded births
Hover or tap the chart, or move the slider. You can also use the keyboard arrow keys.
Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights boys, the most common recorded usage in 2025. Use the chart’s usage selector to explore both categories.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Boys | #79 | 4,140 |
| 2025 | Girls | #11,077 | 8 |
| 2024 | Boys | #78 | 4,255 |
| 2024 | Girls | #11,256 | 8 |
| 2023 | Boys | #71 | 4,523 |
| 2023 | Girls | #8,553 | 12 |
| 2022 | Boys | #76 | 4,350 |
| 2022 | Girls | #7,326 | 15 |
| 2021 | Boys | #76 | 4,540 |
| 2021 | Girls | #8,091 | 13 |
| 2020 | Boys | #72 | 4,667 |
| 2020 | Girls | #11,237 | 8 |
| 2019 | Boys | #84 | 4,505 |
| 2019 | Girls | #11,510 | 8 |
| 2018 | Boys | #94 | 4,074 |
| 2018 | Girls | #11,557 | 8 |
| 2017 | Boys | #104 | 3,789 |
| 2017 | Girls | #6,578 | 18 |
| 2016 | Boys | #116 | 3,467 |
| 2016 | Girls | #10,207 | 10 |
| 2015 | Boys | #123 | 3,249 |
| 2015 | Girls | #9,027 | 12 |
| 2014 | Boys | #145 | 2,806 |
| 2014 | Girls | #10,242 | 10 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Axel
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Noah
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Rest, repose
Shares an origin with Axel.
James
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Supplanter
Shares an origin with Axel.
Elijah
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Yahweh is God
Shares an origin with Axel.
Benjamin
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Son of the right hand
Shares an origin with Axel.
Levi
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Joined, attached
Shares an origin with Axel.
Elias
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Yahweh is God
Shares an origin with Axel.
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