Anselm is a unique and historic masculine given name of Germanic origin. Its etymology stems from the Old High German words "ans" meaning "god" and "helm" signifying "helmet." Therefore, Anselm translates to "God's helmet," suggesting divine protection or guardianship.
The name Anselm was borne by several notable historical figures. One of the most renowned was Saint Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109), a Benedictine monk, philosopher, theologian, and Archbishop of Canterbury. He is revered as a saint in both the Catholic and Anglican churches. His contributions to medieval philosophy and theology have made him one of the most influential figures in intellectual history.
In literature, Anselm was the name chosen by Victor Hugo for the hero in his 1862 novel "Les Misérables." This further popularized the name, particularly in France.
Despite its rich historical background and unique meaning, Anselm remains relatively rare today as a given name. It offers an appealing alternative for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful moniker for their sons.
The name Anselm has seen peaks and valleys over the years, with some notable highs and lows. The decade starting from 2015 onwards has been particularly popular for the name, with a significant spike in births occurring in 2016 (12 births) and again in 2020 (10 births). However, it's interesting to note that there were no recorded births with the name Anselm between 1944 and 1978. Overall, there have been a total of 288 babies named Anselm since 1912.