The nameYael

Yael is a Hebrew name meaning "ibex". It is given to girls in Israel and to boys in Latin America.

Meaning

Yael means "mountain goat, ibex" in Hebrew.

Origin

Hebrew.

History

In the Book of Judges, Jael kills the general Sisera. In the United States Yael is now more common for boys, reaching 777th in 2023.

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Famous people named Yael

Popularity of the name Yael

Yael in the United States

789thmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
2023peak year (470 births)
9,270babies named Yael in the United States since 1880
0235470 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Yael was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 3,234 births over the decade, 35% of all recorded babies named Yael. Its rise began around 1977, and it peaked in 2023. Half of all babies named Yael in the United States were born before 2011, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 400 births a year on average, against 316 in the five years before.

Yael in France

482ndmost popular boys' name in France, latest official figures
2008peak year (430 births)
10,190babies named Yael in France since 1900
0215430 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Yael was most popular in France in the 2010s, with 3,115 births over the decade, 31% of all recorded babies named Yael. Its rise began around 1967, and it peaked in 2008. Half of all babies named Yael in France were born before 2008, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 239 births a year on average, against 282 in the five years before.

Yael in Belgium

1228thmost popular girls' name in Belgium in 2025
2008peak year (44 births)
551babies named Yael in Belgium since 1995
02244 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Yael in Switzerland

160thmost popular girls' name in Switzerland in 2025
2021peak year (96 births)
1,369babies named Yael in Switzerland since 2000
04896 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Switzerland. Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Sibling names for Yael

Names from the same generation as Yael, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Yael? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Yael with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Yael side by side with the name of your choice.

Yael in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Yael mean?

Yael means "mountain goat, ibex" in Hebrew.

What is the origin of the name Yael?

Hebrew.

Is Yael a girl's or a boy's name?

Yael is a unisex name, given to both girls and boys. In the United States, 47% of the babies named Yael are girls.

How popular is the name Yael?

In 2024, Yael was the 789th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 317 births.

What are good sibling names for Yael?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Mariam, Elia, Anais and Elisa for a sister, Shlomo, Raphael, Avraham and Johan for a brother.

Who are famous people named Yael?

Yael Naim, singer; Yael Stone, actress.