Yael
Yael is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Mountain goat, ibex”, pronounced yah-EL. It ranked #1642 in the United States in 2025, given to 127 babies, and peaked at #1386 in 2022. Common nicknames: Yali, Elle, Ella.
How popular is 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.
What does Yael mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Yael used 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.
What are the 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
Looking for names that pair well with Yael? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.