Fuel or derived from the surname Thiesel
Originally a German surname, it is a diminutive of Matthias, meaning 'gift of God.' In modern contexts, it is strongly associated with the fuel type and the internal combustion engine invented by Rudolf Diesel. It has gained traction as a rugged, high-energy given name in the United States.
About 59 boys were named Diesel in 2025.
Inventor of the diesel engine
An antagonistic black shunting engine · Thomas & Friends
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
The same feel as Diesel — far less common.
Hidden gems that stand out.
