boy name
Axel
Gender
Boy
Popularity
#79 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Axel in the US, 1880–2025
Axel first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2020, when 4,667 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 4,140.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Axel popular?
Near its peak Axel is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2020.
| 2020s | 26,475 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 31,809 | |
| 2000s | 10,613 | |
| 1990s | 1,534 | |
| 1980s | 446 | |
| 1970s | 222 | |
| 1960s | 168 | |
| 1950s | 85 | |
| 1940s | 81 | |
| 1930s | 89 | |
| 1920s | 232 | |
| 1910s | 291 | |
| 1900s | 86 | |
| 1890s | 165 | |
| 1880s | 163 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Axel a boy or a girl name?
Axel is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Axel a popular name right now?
Axel is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2020.
How popular is the name Axel?
In 2025, Axel ranked #79 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Axel most popular?
Axel was most popular in 2020, when about 4,667 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.