Torkel

Torkel is a masculine given name used in Nordic countries. It has occasionally appeared as a surname in families of Nordic origin and can be found in historical records as a personal name.

The name derives from Old Norse forms such as Þorkell and is related to other Scandinavian names including Thorkell, Torkild, and Torquil. It has several regional variants in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, reflecting the broader Norse linguistic heritage.

Historically, Torkel appears in medieval Scandinavian records and continued to be used through early modern times. In contemporary usage it remains relatively uncommon and is most often found among older generations in Sweden and Norway; in Finland it is more likely to be found among the Swedish-speaking minority.

In literature and media, Torkel has been used as a character name in Nordic fiction and historical works, reflecting its longstanding presence in the region’s naming traditions. The form has also inspired related names in other languages and cultures that borrow from the same Old Norse roots.

Related names include Þorkell, Thorkell, Torkild, and Torquil, among others, illustrating the name’s adaptability across Nordic languages and its connections to the broader family of Thor-influenced given names.