girl name · Hebrew origin
Yael
/ yah-EL /
Meaning
Yael means Mountain goat, ibex (Hebrew).
Gender
Girl
Origin
Hebrew
Pronunciation
yah-EL
Popularity
#1642 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Yael in the US, 1880–2025
Yael first appears in US records in 1954. It peaked in 2022, when 166 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 127.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Yael mean?
Yael means “mountain goat” or “ibex,” a symbol of surefootedness.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Yael mean?
Yael means Mountain goat, ibex. Yael means “mountain goat” or “ibex,” a symbol of surefootedness.
What is the origin of the name Yael?
Yael is of Hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Yael?
Yael is pronounced “yah-EL.”
Is Yael a boy or a girl name?
Yael is most commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Yael?
In 2025, Yael ranked #1642 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Yael most popular?
Yael was most popular in 2022, when about 166 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.