Aksel

Aksel is a male given name used primarily in Norway and Denmark. It is a Scandinavian variant of the name Axel, which itself comes from Absalom, a biblical figure. The form Aksel, along with related spellings such as Axel and Akseli, developed through medieval and modern adaptations of Absalom in the Nordic regions. The common interpretation of Absalom's name is "father of peace," though etymology is debated.

In contemporary use, Aksel is most common in Norway, with the spelling also found in Denmark and Sweden. Finnish uses the related form Akseli. The name has appeared in various cultural contexts and remains in use today, often chosen for its traditional Nordic character.

Notable people with this name include Norwegian writer Aksel Sandemose (1899–1965), known for his novel and for coining the concept of Janteloven; Norwegian actor Aksel Hennie (born 1975); and Norwegian alpine ski racer Aksel Lund Svindal (born 1982). See also related names Axel and Akseli.