Yael
Mountain goat, ibex — a girl name of Hebrew origin
Popularity of Yael in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Yael
Yael is a Hebrew name meaning "mountain goat" or "ibex," an animal admired in ancient Israel for its agility and sure-footedness in rugged terrain. In the Hebrew Bible, Yael (also spelled Jael) was a heroic figure from the Book of Judges who defeated the Canaanite general Sisera, playing a decisive role in the Israelite victory. The name symbolizes courage, resourcefulness, and strength. Yael is widely used in Israel, where it consistently ranks among the most popular girls' names. It has gained traction internationally as parents seek distinctive biblical names with strong meanings.
Yael Around the World
Yael is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Yael
Famous People Named Yael
- Yael Stone — Australian actress known for Orange Is the New Black
- Yael Naim — French-Israeli singer-songwriter
- Yael Arad — Israeli judoka and first Olympic medalist for Israel
Similar Names to Yael
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Sibling Name Ideas for Yael
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Yael mean?
Yael is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Mountain goat, ibex." Yael is a Hebrew name meaning "mountain goat" or "ibex," an animal admired in ancient Israel for its agility and sure-footedness in rugged terrain. In the Hebrew Bible, Yael (also spelled Jael) was a heroic figure from the Book of Judges who defeated the Canaanite general Sisera, playing a decisive role in the Israelite victory.
How do you pronounce Yael?
Yael is pronounced yah-EL. Common variations include Jael, Yaelle, Yaela.
Is Yael a girl name?
Yes, Yael is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Yali, Elle, Ella.
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