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Home › Baby Names Directory › Axel

Axel

♂ Boy

Pronounced AK-sul /ˈæk.səl/High

Meaning: Father of peace; Scandinavian form of Absalom from Hebrew AvshalomHigh

In 30 seconds: The Scandinavian form of Absalom meaning 'father of peace,' Axel gained rock-star cool from Guns N' Roses' Axl Rose and has since become a mainstream U.S. favorite.
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Origin HighHebrew, Scandinavian
MeaningFather of peace; Scandinavian form of Absalom from Hebrew Avshalom
U.S. rank (2025)#79 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births4,140 boys (0.24% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2020
Total births (all-time)≈ 72,428

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202018802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Axel is the Scandinavian form of Absalom, from the Hebrew Avshalom, meaning 'my father is peace.' It has been a traditional name in Denmark and Sweden for centuries.

Axel remained largely Scandinavian until the late 20th century, when it gained global attention partly through Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses (the phonetic spelling Axl). The traditional spelling Axel has been climbing the U.S. charts and entered the top 100 boys' names.

Did you know? Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian Arctic is named after Axel Heiberg (1848–1932), a Norwegian consul and patron of polar exploration.

Variations

AkselAxlAbsalom

Nicknames

Ax

Famous Bearers

  • ★Axl Rose (1962–)
    American rock vocalist and co-founder of Guns N' Roses, born William Bruce Rose Jr.

If you like Axel…

Felix— short, punchy classic with the same crisp x-sound feel
Oscar— Scandinavian-rooted classic with the same strong two-syllable energy
Jasper— cool, short vintage name with the same edgy-classic balance
Max— ultra-crisp name with the same bold minimalist impact

Explore names like Axel

By meaningPeace

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Axel mean?

Axel is the Scandinavian form of Absalom, from the Hebrew Avshalom, meaning 'my father is peace.'

How do you pronounce Axel?

It is said AK-sul /ˈæk.səl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Axel a boy or girl name?

Axel is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Axel?

Axel has been rising steadily in the U.S. and is now among the top 100 boys' names.

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