Aksel is a name of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Norway and Denmark. It is a variant spelling of the name Axel, which is derived from the Old Greek name Asklepios. Asklepios was the god of healing and medicine in Greek mythology, and his name means "to cut apart" or "to heal."
In Scandinavian countries, Aksel has been used as a given name for centuries. It was particularly popular in Norway during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable figures such as Aksel Sandemose, a Norwegian-Danish author, bearing the name.
The name Aksel has gained international recognition due to its use by public figures like Aksel Lund Svindal, a Norwegian alpine ski racer who won multiple Olympic medals. However, it remains relatively uncommon outside of Scandinavia.
In terms of meaning and symbolism, the name Aksel is associated with healing, wisdom, and intelligence, reflecting the attributes of Asklepios in Greek mythology. It also conveys a sense of strength and leadership, as seen in the many prominent individuals who have borne this name throughout history.
The name Aksel experienced a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades, with a marked surge starting around the year 2006. Between 1989 and 2005, there were fewer than 50 births per year on average, but from 2006 onwards, this number began to rise sharply, peaking at 198 births in 2018. Despite a slight dip in popularity in recent years, with around 124-153 births annually since 2020, the name Aksel remains far more popular than it was in its early years, with a total of 2275 births recorded between 1989 and 2023.