[Heralds] The name "Axel"

[C. L. Ward]

I'm trying to figure out what the earliest Scandinavian occurrence of the
name "Axel" might be.  The earliest I've tracked down thus far are:

* Axel Gustaffson, Count Oxenstierna, 1583-1654

* Axel Petersson Stille was one of the New Sweden Settlers, ca. 1638-1664.

I kind of suspect that the name either is an import from the Continent, or
else may be is derived from Áskell or Ásketill.

Does anyone have more data on this name?

Many thanks!
::GUNNORA::