Yael
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.
Is Yael popular?
Rising Yael has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 842 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 1,117 | |
| 2000s | 884 | |
| 1990s | 605 | |
| 1980s | 522 | |
| 1970s | 359 | |
| 1960s | 154 | |
| 1950s | 18 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Yael mean?
From Hebrew ya'el, 'ibex' — a nimble, sure-footed wild mountain goat. The same name as the heroine Jael, who killed Sisera (Judges 4-5). A concrete noun; the 'strength of God' gloss seen on some sites is not the standard derivation.
Names like Yael
hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Yael
Popular hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Yael
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Yael mean?
Yael means ibex, mountain goat. From Hebrew ya'el, 'ibex' — a nimble, sure-footed wild mountain goat. The same name as the heroine Jael, who killed Sisera (Judges 4-5). A concrete noun; the 'strength of God' gloss seen on some sites is not the standard derivation.
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.
Is Yael a popular name right now?
Yael has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
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.
What names are similar to Yael?
Names similar to Yael include Shira, Susannah, Tamar, Malka, Shifra.
What names go well with Yael?
hebrew names that pair well with Yael include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.