Ansel

The name Ansel is of Germanic origin, deriving from the Old German name 'Anselm.' It is composed of the elements 'ans,' meaning 'god,' and 'helm,' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection.'

The name Ansel gained popularity in medieval times due to its association with Saint Anselm, a renowned 11th-century philosopher and theologian. He was known for his contributions to scholastic philosophy and his defense of Christian doctrine.

In modern times, the name Ansel has been popularized by the American photographer Ansel Adams, famous for his breathtaking black-and-white landscape photographs of the American West.

While historically a male name, Ansel has recently seen some use as a unisex name, though it remains predominantly masculine.