Yael
yah-EL
Yael comes from the Hebrew Ya’el, meaning “mountain goat” or “ibex.” In the Book of Judges, Yael (Jael) was the heroine who killed the Canaanite general Sisera.
Though the biblical Yael was female, the name has been adopted for boys in modern Hebrew usage. In Israel, it functions as a unisex name with masculine usage increasing.
Yael peaked at No. 777 in 2023 with 328 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 790 with 317 births, holding near its all-time high.
What the name Yael means
Israeli author Yael Dayan and various modern bearers carry the name. In the US, it appears among both Jewish and non-Jewish families attracted to its sound.
One syllable—yah-EL—sounds bright and spiritual. The open vowels and liquid ending give it a gentle, luminous quality fitting its biblical heritage.
The name’s nature connection—the agile mountain goat—adds character. In Hebrew culture, the ibex symbolises grace and sure-footedness in harsh terrain.
As Hebrew names gain American traction—Liel, Noam, Yael—they bring a distinctive sound palette that enriches the US naming landscape.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Yael
Yael - similar names
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