Yael: meaning of the Hebrew name
יָעֵל
Pronounced yah-EL
Meaning of Yael
Yael is the mountain ibex, a nimble and graceful animal. Yael wife of Heber the Kenite was the heroine who defeated Sisera and saved Israel.
Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
וְסִיסְרָא נָס בְּרַגְלָיו אֶל־אֹהֶל יָעֵל אֵשֶׁת חֶבֶר הַקֵּינִי כִּי שָׁלוֹם בֵּין יָבִין מֶלֶךְ־חָצוֹר וּבֵין בֵּית חֶבֶר הַקֵּינִי׃
Yael in Hebrew
Yael is written יעל in Hebrew (with vowel points: יָעֵל). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- יYod
- עAyin
- לLamed
Gematria value: 110 (Yod 10 + Ayin 70 + Lamed 30)
About the name
- GenderGirl
- OriginBiblical
- Meaningmountain ibex
- Pronunciationyah-EL
- Hebrewיעל
- Syllables2
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Yael ranked #7 among girls' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (958 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #5, in 2014 and 2016.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 958 |
| 2023 | 7 | 1,015 |
| 2022 | 7 | 985 |
| 2021 | 7 | 1,008 |
| 2020 | 8 | 941 |
| 2019 | 7 | 1,104 |
| 2018 | 7 | 1,125 |
| 2017 | 7 | 1,104 |
| 2016 | 5 | 1,141 |
| 2015 | 10 | 1,103 |
| 2014 | 5 | 1,199 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Yael
What does the name Yael mean?
Yael is the mountain ibex, a nimble and graceful animal. Yael wife of Heber the Kenite was the heroine who defeated Sisera and saved Israel.
How do you pronounce Yael?
Yael is pronounced yah-EL in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Yael in Hebrew?
Yael is written יעל in Hebrew (with vowel points: יָעֵל).
Is Yael a biblical name?
Yes. Yael appears in the Hebrew Bible, in Judges 4:17.
How popular is the name Yael in Israel?
In 2024, Yael ranked #7 among girls' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (958 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #5, in 2014 and 2016. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Yael?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling יעל adds up to 110 (Yod 10 + Ayin 70 + Lamed 30).
Keep your shortlist in the Shemot app
Meaning, gematria and Israeli popularity for 2,300+ names, and a shared list for couples.
The app's screens and name meanings are in Hebrew. Every name also shows its English spelling.
Get the appGet the app
This name in Hebrew: יעל
