Rising since 1985, #79 for boys today.
Popularity of Axel since 1880
Babies named Axel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 163 |
| 1890s | 165 |
| 1900s | 86 |
| 1910s | 291 |
| 1920s | 232 |
| 1930s | 89 |
| 1940s | 81 |
| 1950s | 85 |
| 1960s | 168 |
| 1970s | 222 |
| 1980s | 446 |
| 1990s | 1,534 |
| 2000s | 10,613 |
| 2010s | 31,809 |
| 2020s | 26,475 |
Meaning & origin
Axel is a strong, two-syllable Scandinavian name that has climbed steadily in U.S. popularity since the mid-1980s. First recorded in Social Security data in 1880, the name had a modest presence for decades before beginning a rise in 1985. By 2020 it reached its peak year at rank 74, and it remains in the top 100 as of 2025, with an estimated 1 in 413 boys receiving the name. Axel is most popular in Wyoming, North Dakota, and New Mexico, reflecting its appeal across diverse regions. The name's sharp consonant sound and international flair appeal to parents seeking a modern yet historically anchored choice. Its Scandinavian roots connect it to a robust naming tradition, and the nickname Ax adds a casual, friendly touch.
Axel is a Scandinavian form of the biblical name Absalom, which derives from the Hebrew Avshalom, meaning 'father of peace.' The name entered Scandinavian usage through the medieval Danish and Swedish royal families and has long been common in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. In the United States, Axel gained popularity in the late 20th century and has become a fashionable choice for boys.
Where Axel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Axel” around the world
Where Axel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#58
in 2024
Ireland
18
babies in 2025
New Zealand
27
babies in 2025
Quebec
#65
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ax
Sibling names for Axel
Names that share Axel's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Elsa, Freya, Ingrid, Linnea, Soren, Hulda, Maja, Tesla, Xochilt, Yamilex, Yatziri, Ahtziri, Anneli, Azlyn, Kajsa, Lotta, Merary, Yailin, Ahtziry, Aritzel, Athziry, Atziry, Esbeidy, Gustava, Itsel, Ketzaly, Lilja, Yahayra, Yatzari, Yitzel, Esbeydi, Fredrika, Gusta, Monserath, Navee, Stina, Yarethzi, Zanova
Brothers: Lars, Bjorn, Erik, Nils, Oskar, Cairo, Gust, Iker, Unknown, Ander, Arvid, Diesel, Gustav, Kaizer, Notnamed, Riot, Avant, Bauer, Braun, Gustaf, Hendrixx, Knight, Lennart, Lyfe, Matix, Nyzir, Steel, Xzander, Avid, Axcel, Axiel, Diezel, Eisen, Itzael, Kalix, Magnum, Mattis, Roxas, Xylan, Zylo, Zyren, Axeton, Axzel, Bertel, Billion, Brex, Edge, Icker, Jaxel, Lemmy, Rage, Rambo, Rasmus, Savage, Sevn, Thunder, Trig, Xael, Zylus
Names like Axel
Names whose popularity has moved with Axel's over the last 50 years.
