Find out how popular the first name Yael has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yael by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Yael is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 54% of people named Yael being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 328 male babies and 142 female babies born with the name Yael.

The history of the first name Yael

The given name Yael is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical Hebrew name Ya'el, which means "ibex" or "mountain goat." The name is first mentioned in the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible, referring to the heroine Yael, who killed the Canaanite military leader Sisera by driving a tent peg through his temple as he slept.

The name Yael gained popularity in ancient Israel during the time of the Judges, when the biblical story of Yael's bravery and cunning became well-known. It was likely seen as a powerful and auspicious name for girls, symbolizing strength and courage.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yael is found in the Book of Judges, which is believed to have been written around the 7th or 6th century BCE. The name also appears in various other ancient Hebrew texts and inscriptions from the region.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Yael. One of the most famous was Yael Dayan, an Israeli writer, and peace activist born in 1939. She was the daughter of the renowned Israeli military leader and politician, Moshe Dayan.

Another notable Yael was Yael Naim, an Israeli-French singer-songwriter born in 1978. Her 2008 song "New Soul" became an international hit and was featured in several films and television shows.

In the 20th century, Yael Arad was an Israeli judge and the first woman to be appointed as a permanent justice on the Supreme Court of Israel in 1975. She served on the court until her retirement in 1988.

Yael Bartana is a contemporary Israeli artist and filmmaker, born in 1970, known for her politically charged works exploring themes of nationalism, collective memory, and social identity.

Yael Shelbia, born in 2001, is an Israeli model and actress who gained international recognition as one of the world's most successful teenage models, appearing in campaigns for major fashion brands.

The name Yael has maintained its popularity in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide, often chosen for its biblical significance and powerful symbolism of strength and bravery.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Yael was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Yael, please contact us.

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