Declining since 2019, #1,123 for boys today.
Popularity of Axl since 1988
Babies named Axl per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 30 |
| 1990s | 198 |
| 2000s | 359 |
| 2010s | 2,279 |
| 2020s | 1,542 |
Meaning & origin
Axl is a modern name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1988, coinciding with the rise of Guns N' Roses and their frontman Axl Rose. The name reached its peak popularity in 2019, but has been falling in use since then. In 2025, it ranked 1,123rd, with about 1 in 8,990 boys receiving the name. It is most common in states like West Virginia, Arkansas, and Indiana. Despite its recent origin, Axl has a distinctive, edgy sound that appeals to parents seeking a short, strong name with rock-and-roll associations.
Axl emerged in the late 20th century, largely popularized by musician Axl Rose (born William Bruce Rose Jr.), frontman of the band Guns N' Roses. The name may be a respelling of Axle, a word name, or a variant of Axel, the Scandinavian form of Absalom. Its use as a given name began in the 1980s and has seen modest popularity since.
Where Axl is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Axl
Names that share Axl's style, for a brother or sister.
