Joel
Joel is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “Yahweh is God”, pronounced JOHL. It ranked #219 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,633 babies, and peaked at #65 in 1981. Common nicknames: Joe, Joey, Jo.
How popular is Joel in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Joel mean, and where does it come from?
Joel comes from the Hebrew name Yoel, meaning "Yahweh is God." In the Old Testament, Joel was one of the twelve minor prophets whose writings contain the famous passage about pouring out God's spirit on all people, later quoted in the New Testament at Pentecost. The name has been used by English speakers since the Protestant Reformation, when biblical names became fashionable. Joel has a crisp, modern feel despite its ancient origins, and it works well across many languages and cultures, making it a popular international choice.
How is Joel used around the world?
Joel is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 10+ international variants.
Female FormJoelle
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Joel?
Famous People Named Joel
- Joel Coen — American filmmaker
- Billy Joel — American singer-songwriter and pianist
- Joel Embiid — Cameroonian-American basketball player
Similar Names to Joel
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Sibling Name Ideas for Joel
Looking for names that pair well with Joel? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Joel mean?
Joel is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh is God." Joel comes from the Hebrew name Yoel, meaning "Yahweh is God." In the Old Testament, Joel was one of the twelve minor prophets whose writings contain the famous passage about pouring out God's spirit on all people, later quoted in the New Testament at Pentecost.
How do you pronounce Joel?
Joel is pronounced JOHL. Common variations include Yoel, Joele, Joell.
Is Joel a boy name?
Yes, Joel is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Joe, Joey, Jo.