Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ansel
BoyGerman, Germanic· “from Anselm; god and helmet”
- Meaning
- from Anselm; god and helmet
- Origin
- German, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- AN-suhl
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,138
- US babies 2025
- 186
- Best rank
- #540 (1893)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Ansel
Ansel is a German and Germanic name that means “from Anselm; god and helmet”.
Ansel comes from Anselm, a Germanic name formed from ans, a god, and helm, a helmet or protection. Saint Anselm of Canterbury, the medieval theologian and archbishop, made the name well known in Christian Europe. In modern times it is closely associated with the photographer Ansel Adams, famous for his black-and-white landscapes of the American West. The name has a gentle, artistic feel and a quiet strength. It fits alongside other vintage revival names like Otto and August.
Other spellings with the same sound: Ancel.
Popularity over time
Ansel first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 15 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #540 in 1893, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 186 were named Ansel. In 2025, 186 babies were named Ansel, and it ranked #1,138 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,208 in 1920, #1,882 in 1950, #2,540 in 1980, #3,153 in 2000, #1,899 in 2010, and #1,138 in 2025. Of the 4,801 US boys named Ansel since records began, 25% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 971 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Stellan, Kenan, Mattias, Bronx, and Lazarus.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ansel ranked highest in Oregon, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | #536 | 6 |
| Wisconsin | #686 | 6 |
| Kentucky | #715 | 5 |
| Arizona | #724 | 8 |
| Massachusetts | #791 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Ansel is usually pronounced AN-suhl, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-el”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Ancel.
Middle names for Ansel
A few middle names that flow with Ansel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ansel
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Lists that include Ansel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ansel mean?
Ansel is a German and Germanic name that means “from Anselm; god and helmet”.
What is the origin of the name Ansel?
Ansel has German and Germanic roots. Ansel comes from Anselm, a Germanic name formed from ans, a god, and helm, a helmet or protection.
Is Ansel a popular name?
Not especially. Ansel ranked #1,138 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ansel a boy or girl name?
Ansel is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Ansel?
Ansel is usually pronounced AN-suhl. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings