Ansel is a unique and distinctive given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German words "ans" meaning "god" and "helm" which means "helmet". Therefore, Ansel translates to "god's helmet".
The name Ansel has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was popular among the nobility in Germany during this period, with some notable figures bearing the name including Saint Anselm of Canterbury, who was an archbishop and philosopher in the 11th century.
Over time, the popularity of the name Ansel has varied, but it has maintained a certain level of uniqueness. Today, it is still considered a rare and special name, often chosen by parents looking for something distinctive for their child. Despite its rarity, Ansel has not lost its charm or historical significance.
In terms of pronunciation, Ansel is typically pronounced as "AN-sel", with the emphasis on the first syllable. It rhymes with names likeelsen and lens.
Overall, Ansel is a strong and distinct name with a rich history and meaningful origin. Its unique sound and Germanic roots make it an appealing choice for parents seeking something special for their child.
The given statistics illustrate the trend of the name Ansel over the past century and a half in the United States. From 1882 to around the late 1970s, the number of births with the name Ansel varied significantly from year to year, ranging from as low as 5 births to as high as 47 births in any given year.
However, beginning in the early 1980s, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Ansel. From 1982 onwards, the number of births with this name consistently stayed above 10 per year, with peaks of over 50 births recorded between the years 2004 and 2007.
This upward trend continued into the 21st century, with over 100 births each year from 2012 onwards. The most recent data available shows that in 2023, there were 165 births with the name Ansel, indicating a continued popularity for this name among parents in the United States.
Overall, while Ansel was not always a popular choice for baby boys in the past, it has seen a significant resurgence in popularity over the last few decades, becoming one of the more common names given to newborn males in recent years.