Thoughts on Axel

Ben&stella · January 2018

My husband really, really, really wants to name this baby Axel. He's been pushing for it since my last pregnancy (baby turned out to be a girl). When he hears the name he thinks European gentleman; I hear the name and think car parts. To be clear, I know its a perfectly legit name with a beautiful meaning (father of peace) and I do like it, but have a really hard time getting past the axle association. I also wonder if we can pull the name off. It seems edgy to me,and our other kids have very traditional names (Benjamin and Sofia). If we used the name, we would pair it with a more traditional middle name like Henry or Paul. I guess I am just curious what others think?

Some other names I like are:
Jack (my grandpa's name)
Alexander (possible nickname Axel).

I am open to other suggestions as well. Thanks!!

lm45678 · January 2018

Axel seems very out of character with your other children, TBH.

I would go with Alexander Paul or Jack Henry.

If he decides he likes the nn Axel later in life, it’s not too far of a stretch with the fn Alexander. But i think the chances are he will appreciate having a solid name when it’s time to fill out a resume.

jessilee15 · January 2018

Not a fan either - maybe middle name it? Something like Henry Axel could work. Or sell your hubby on alexander -
it’s a great name and goes way better with your sibset

saham07 · January 2018

I think that Axel is a fine name for name boy/man. If you love it then use it. Ben, Sophie and Axel sound fine together.

lovesclimbing · January 2018

He thinks it sounds European because it is! It's a Norwegian name.

bbiutmcph · January 2018

Axl is quite different than your other kids. FWIW we had a dog with the name and people thought we were yelling asshole at the dog park.

I dont hate the name of it ties to your heritage but more times than not it’s just used because people think it sound cool

Bringmemylongswordho · January 2018

I get that Axel is a legit name, but if I met an Axel in like, not a major city, I'd assume his parents were try-harding to be cool.

Ben&stella · January 2018

Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate the different perspectives. We live just outside NYC and I've only heard the name used a few times. My husband hears it more often since he has colleagues in Europe. I think that is why we have far different reactions to the name. The responses sort of confirm my fear that the name doesn't really fit our typical naming style. I'll have to think about this a bit. In the meantime, does anyone have any good name suggestions that would work with Axel as a middle name? I like the suggestion of Henry Axel above- any other ideas?

holli0801 · January 2018

I don’t love it with your sibset. I’d say middle name or nn it.

mb0112 · January 2018

Alexander Paul nn Axel
Henry Axel
Thomas Axel
Oliver Axel
Theodore Axel

leighry · January 2018

I really like Axel/Axl actually. If you're having a hard time with it you could always middle name it and call him that at home or just as a nickname. But Axl as a first name is fine. Alexander as a first name with nickname Axl could work too.

Axl Thomas
Axl John
Axl James
Axl David
Axl Harrison

Joshua Axl
Ryan Axl
James Axl
Harrison Axl

BabyBoyH92016 · January 2018

I think of Axel Rose

I love Alexander and also think Jack is nice.

Suggesting some more names that have European flair.

Frederick
Simon
Gabriel
Vincent
Roman
Alfred
Philip
Leopold
Carlo
Thaddeus
Victor
Ivan
Augustine/August

magsugar13 · January 2018

Car part for sure

BUT you can use alexander and use it as a legit nn.

that might be a compromise....only if you can get on board

Ben&stella · January 2018

Thanks for the suggestions, they are all great! I really love the name Simon, I hadn't thought of that one.

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