Axel is a masculine given name of Scandinavian and German origin. It is the Nordic form of the Hebrew name Absalom (Avshalom), which translates to "father of peace" (from the Hebrew av, meaning father, and shalom, meaning peace).
The name gained prominence in Denmark and Sweden during the Middle Ages. Its adoption as a distinct form of Absalom is often attributed to the 12th-century Danish Archbishop Absalon, whose name was recorded in various historical texts as Axel. By the 17th and 18th centuries, the name had become firmly established among the nobility and the general population in Northern Europe.
Axel is primarily used in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and France. In Denmark and Norway, the spelling "Aksel" is a common variant. Other regional variations include Axl (an English variant) and Akseli (Finnish). While predominantly a given name, Axel also occurs as a surname in certain Germanic and Scandinavian contexts.
The name has maintained consistent popularity in Scandinavia and has seen increased usage in English-speaking countries and other parts of Europe since the late 20th century. In several European nations, Axel frequently appears in the lists of the top 100 most common names for newborn males.