Find out how popular the first name Arkel has been for the last 13 years (from 1993 to 2005) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Arkel by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Arkel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2005, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Arkel.

The history of the first name Arkel

The name Arkel is an ancient Germanic name with roots dating back to the 5th century AD. It is derived from the Old High German words "ar" meaning "eagle" and "kel" meaning "warrior" or "brave one." The name was prominent in the Frankish and Alemannic tribes that inhabited regions of modern-day Germany, France, and Switzerland.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Arkel can be found in the Nibelungenlied, a renowned German epic poem from the 13th century. In the text, Arkel is mentioned as a brave warrior who fought alongside the legendary hero Siegfried. This suggests that the name was already well-established and associated with bravery and strength during the Middle Ages.

During the 9th century, an Alemannic nobleman named Arkel von Hohenzollern was recorded as a prominent figure in the court of King Louis the German. He was known for his military prowess and served as a trusted advisor to the king. Centuries later, in the 15th century, a Dutch knight named Arkel van Egmond was a respected military commander who played a significant role in the Hook and Cod Wars between the cities of Holland and Utrecht.

Another notable figure with the name Arkel was Arkel Simonsson, a Norwegian explorer and navigator from the 16th century. He is credited with being one of the first Europeans to chart the Arctic coastline of Russia and is renowned for his detailed maps and navigation logs.

In the realm of literature, Arkel Gellrich was a German author and poet who lived in the 18th century. He is best known for his romantic poetry and his work as a translator, bringing many classical works into the German language.

While not as common in modern times, the name Arkel continues to carry a sense of strength, bravery, and a connection to ancient Germanic heritage. Its enduring presence in historical records and literary works serves as a testament to the name's rich cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Arkel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Arkel, please contact us.

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