Rising since 1989, #3,342 for girls today.
Popularity of Ayelet since 1971
Babies named Ayelet per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 44 |
| 1980s | 93 |
| 1990s | 126 |
| 2000s | 231 |
| 2010s | 294 |
| 2020s | 191 |
Meaning & origin
Ayelet is a Hebrew name meaning 'gazelle,' a graceful animal frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. It entered U.S. records in 1971 and has been on a steady upward trajectory since 1989, though it remains uncommon. Its peak usage was in 2023, when it was given to roughly 1 in 34,941 newborns. The name is most popular in New York and New Jersey, reflecting its strong Jewish cultural associations. Ayelet has never cracked the top 1,000, but its gentle sound and biblical roots give it a quiet, lasting appeal.
Ayelet is a Hebrew name derived from אַיָּלָה (ayyalah), meaning 'gazelle' or 'doe'. It appears in the Bible as the word for a female deer (Proverbs 5:19). The name is sometimes associated with the phrase 'Ayelet ha-Shachar' (the morning star), a poetic reference to Venus. It has been used in Israel since the mid-20th century and gained modest popularity in the United States from the 1970s onward.
Where Ayelet is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ay, Aye, Letty
Variants: Ayala
Sibling names for Ayelet
Names that share Ayelet's style, for a brother or sister.
