Rising since 1992, #817 for boys today.
Popularity of Yael since 1954
Babies named Yael per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 18 | 0 |
| 1960s | 154 | 0 |
| 1970s | 359 | 0 |
| 1980s | 522 | 21 |
| 1990s | 605 | 99 |
| 2000s | 884 | 1,374 |
| 2010s | 1,117 | 2,118 |
| 2020s | 842 | 1,595 |
Meaning & origin
Yael entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1984, a relatively recent arrival compared to many traditional Hebrew names. It has been on a steady rise since 1992, with popularity climbing year over year; its peak year so far was 2023. In 2025, a child named Yael is one of roughly 5,619 newborns, reflecting its moderate but growing use. The name is particularly popular in Arizona, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, suggesting an appeal among diverse, educated populations. Yael's biblical heritage and distinctive sound make it a crossover choice, favored by families seeking a name with ancient roots and a modern feel.
Yael is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word 'ya'el' meaning 'mountain goat' or 'ibex,' an animal native to the rocky terrain of Israel and the Middle East. In the Hebrew Bible, Yael is a heroine who killed the Canaanite general Sisera by driving a tent peg through his head, as recounted in the Book of Judges. The name has been used by Jewish families for centuries, though it gained broader popularity in the United States only since the late 20th century.
Where Yael is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Yael” around the world
Where Yael lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
100
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yaya, Yae
Sibling names for Yael
Names that share Yael's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Noa, Shira, Talia, Maya, Leah, Rivka, Ahuva, Batsheva, Bracha, Nechama, Shifra, Tali, Avigayil, Avital, Hadasa, Liat, Menucha, Nitza, Orli, Sivan, Tzivia, Yakira, Yanelli, Amalya, Hodaya, Jocabed, Maytal, Nili, Noga, Shamra, Shir, Shirel, Yaremi, Ytzel, Yuritzy, Hadas, Dvora, Galit, Hadasah, Margalit, Meital, Orit, Raaya, Shiri, Yaelis, Yalexa, Yoatzi, Yomira, Zohara
Brothers: Eitan, Levi, Noam, Micah, Jonah, Gil, Yandel, Aviel, Eliyahu, Gadiel, Ronen, Shalom, Shamir, Asaf, Avner, Doron, Elazar, Eran, Eyal, Ezriel, Idan, Itai, Matan, Nadav, Oryan, Tomer, Yishai, Yoav, Yurem, Zvi, Elad, Etai, Harel, Ilay, Itamar, Itzael, Lavi, Natanel, Netanel, Tuvia, Yandiel, Yaniv, Yaziel, Ziv, Itay, Gilad, Ido, Liron, Maor, Meshilem, Meshulem, Nechemia, Niv, Shalev, Yaxiel, Yeremy, Yeudiel, Yoniel, Yosiel
