Based on the data from Crowdsourcing, the word type Beil seems to be the more common designation for AXE in the Alemannic language area while the morpho-lexical type Axt is also common. However, more semantic than lexical variation is to be assumed here. Thus, in its article on Bīel (cf. Idiotikon under Bīel), the Swiss Idiotikon points out the difference between Beil and Ax(t), which is further explained in the article on Axt (cf. Idiotikon under Ax): "But mostly, this distinction is made: the axe has [a] longer handle, but [a] narrower edge, and is especially used for striking with the back". The Crowders may no longer be aware of this difference, or it may be irrelevant, since working with wood is not part of everyday life anymore. For even in standard language, a distinction can be made between an axe "tool with a narrow cutting edge and a long handle, especially for felling trees" (cf. Duden under Axt) and a hatchet "tool similar to an axe with a broad cutting edge and a short handle, especially for working wood and meat" (cf. Duden under Beil).

Attested in Old High German as bîhal (cf. AWB under bîhal); it is a "German and Dutch word only". However, there are lexical equivalents in some Celtic languages, e.g., in Old Irish bíail, biáil or Welsh bwyall, bw(y)ell (cf. Kluge under Beil).