Rising since 1985, #1,388 for girls today.
Popularity of Jael since 1957
Babies named Jael per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 14 | 0 |
| 1960s | 25 | 0 |
| 1970s | 156 | 5 |
| 1980s | 279 | 52 |
| 1990s | 510 | 141 |
| 2000s | 1,106 | 913 |
| 2010s | 1,630 | 1,416 |
| 2020s | 841 | 860 |
Meaning & origin
Jael is an uncommon unisex name with deep biblical roots, having first appeared on U.S. records in 1957. It reached its peak popularity in 2012, reflecting a broader trend of biblical names gaining modern appeal. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily rising, particularly in states like Massachusetts, Maryland, and Tennessee. The name's association with a decisive and courageous biblical figure gives it a distinctive strength, while its rarity keeps it fresh.
Jael is a Hebrew name derived from the word ya'el, meaning 'mountain goat' or 'ibex'. In the Bible, Jael is the woman who killed the Canaanite general Sisera by driving a tent peg through his temple, as described in the Book of Judges. The name has been used among English speakers since the Puritan era, though it remains uncommon. Its modern usage, both for girls and occasionally boys, likely reflects its strong, distinctive sound and biblical heritage.
Where Jael is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jael” around the world
Where Jael lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jay, Jae
Sibling names for Jael
Names that share Jael's style, for a brother or sister.
