Find out how popular the first name Axl has been for the last 36 years (from 1988 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Axl by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Axl is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Axl being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 256 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Axl.

The history of the first name Axl

The name Axl is a Germanic name with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old Norse name Aksel, which means "father of peace" or "the peace-maker." The name Aksel is composed of the elements "akr" meaning "anchor" and "hildr" meaning "battle."

In the 9th century, the name Aksel was recorded as a common name among Vikings and Scandinavian settlers. As they spread across Europe, the name took on various spellings and forms, including Axel, Axl, and Axele. The name gained popularity in regions of Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway during the medieval period.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Axl can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of narratives depicting the lives and adventures of Norse settlers in Iceland. In these tales, Axl was often used as a name for noble warriors and respected leaders, highlighting the name's association with strength and peacemaking.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals bearing the name Axl. One of the earliest was Axl Erikson (c. 1050 - 1120), a Danish chieftain and explorer who is credited with leading the first Danish expedition to Greenland. Another notable figure was Axl von Bülow (1218 - 1293), a German nobleman and military commander who played a significant role in the Crusades.

In the 16th century, Axl Oxenstierna (1583 - 1654), a Swedish statesman and diplomat, served as the Lord High Chancellor of Sweden and played a crucial role in the Thirty Years' War. Axl Arnfeldt (1718 - 1787), a Swedish industrialist and entrepreneur, was a prominent figure in the Swedish iron industry and contributed significantly to the country's economic development.

One of the most famous individuals with the name Axl in modern times is Axl Rose (born 1962), the lead singer of the iconic American rock band Guns N' Roses. His unique stage presence and powerful vocals have made him a legendary figure in the world of rock music.

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 Axl was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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