Yael

A familiar Hebrew name with steady appeal.

Boy's name| Also girlsHebrewRising fast
#790▼ 13in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A female given name from Hebrew.

Yael is a unisex baby name of Hebrew origin, meaning "mountain goat" or "ibex," symbolizing sure-footedness and strength in ancient Hebrew culture. In the Bible, Yael was the heroic woman who defeated the Canaanite general Sisera.

While primarily a feminine name in Israel, Yael is used for both boys and girls in the United States. Its short, strong sound and biblical depth have driven its rise among parents looking for distinctive Hebrew names beyond the familiar classics.

Compare Yael with another name

Popularity Over Time

Yael climbed 350 spots in the last 20 years — from #1140 to #790.

08216424632820002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Yael
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s1,287▼
2010s2,118▲
2000s1,374▲
1990s99▲
1980s21—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(34 years, 1984–2024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Yael
YearBirthsRank
2024317#790
2023328#777
2022225#994
2021211#1033
2020206#1012
2019222#967
2018225#935
2017197#1024
2016182#1086
2015178#1095
2014235#914
2013243#871
2012238#883
2011179#1055
2010219#924
2009223#929
2008226#913
2007212#939
2006180#1024
2005159#1047

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Yael as a Girl's Name

Yael is a true unisex name. As a girl's name, it has 4,371 recorded births since 1954.

#1600
Current rank
4,371
Total births
2022
Peak year
Compare Yael as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Yael be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Yael is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #790. As a girl's name, it ranks #1600.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1984–2024) · Methodology