יָעֵל
Yael / Yael
“Mountain goat”
Yael (יָעֵל, Yael) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “mountain goat,” pronounced “ya-EL.” From the Hebrew יַעַל (ya'al) meaning 'ibex' or 'mountain goat.' The Nubian ibex is native to the Judean Desert and Negev, known for its agility and ability to scale sheer cliff faces. The name evokes both beauty and rugged resilience.
| Hebrew | יָעֵל |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Yael |
| English Name | Yael |
| Meaning | Mountain goat |
| Pronunciation | ya-EL |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Modern Hebrew Names |
| Variants | Jael, Ya'el, Yaelle |
| Key Scripture | Judges 5:24 |
Yael is a name that climbs — like the mountain goat it describes, scaling impossible heights with sure-footed grace. The biblical Yael was a Kenite woman who lured the fleeing Canaanite general Sisera into her tent with warm milk, waited for him to fall asleep, and then drove a tent peg through his temple. Deborah's song declares: 'Most blessed of women be Yael' (Judges 5:24). This combination of hospitality and lethal decisiveness has made Yael a symbol of feminine strength in Israel. The name is one of the most popular in modern Israel — a sleek, two-syllable name that carries both natural beauty (the ibex) and fierce courage within its short frame.
Key Scripture: Judges 5:24
“Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women.”
What Does Yael Mean in Hebrew?
The word יָעֵל (Yael) means 'ibex' or 'mountain goat,' from a root related to ascending and climbing. The ibex (Capra nubiana) is a graceful, agile animal native to Israel's desert cliffs — a fitting image for a name that combines beauty with strength. The consonants י-ע-ל may also be related to 'ya'aleh' (to ascend).
Yael in the Bible
Yael killed the Canaanite general Sisera in Judges 4:17-22, securing Israel's victory in the battle led by Deborah and Barak. In the Song of Deborah (Judges 5:24-27), she is extravagantly praised as 'most blessed of women.' She is one of the Bible's most dramatic heroines — a non-Israelite woman who turned the tide of war with a tent peg.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The Nubian ibex (yael) is one of Israel's most iconic wild animals, often seen scaling the cliffs of the Judean Desert and Ein Gedi. The name Yael thus connects Israeli children to both their biblical heritage and their natural landscape — a beloved combination in Israeli naming culture.
Yael is one of the most popular girls' names in Israel, consistently in the top 10. It is also gaining recognition internationally, particularly in France (as Yaëlle) and the US. Its sleek, modern sound and powerful biblical backstory make it irresistible to Israeli parents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yael
What does Yael mean in Hebrew?
Yael (יָעֵל, Yael) means “Mountain goat” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew יַעַל (ya'al) meaning 'ibex' or 'mountain goat.' The Nubian ibex is native to the Judean Desert and Negev, known for its agility and ability to scale sheer cliff faces. The name evokes both beauty and rugged resilience.
How do you pronounce Yael in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Yael is “ya-EL.” The name is written יָעֵל in Hebrew script.
What does Yael mean in Hebrew?
Yael (יָעֵל) means 'mountain goat' or 'ibex' in Hebrew. The Nubian ibex is a graceful, agile animal native to Israel's desert cliffs, known for scaling sheer rock faces with sure-footed confidence. The name evokes natural beauty combined with rugged strength — a perfect reflection of the biblical Yael's character.
What did Yael do in the Bible?
After the Israelite victory over the Canaanites, their general Sisera fled to Yael's tent. She welcomed him with warm milk, covered him with a blanket, and waited for him to fall asleep. Then she took a tent peg and hammer and drove the peg through his temple, killing him (Judges 4:17-22). Deborah's song praises her as 'most blessed of women.'
Is Yael a popular name in Israel?
Yes — Yael is one of the top 10 most popular girls' names in Israel. Its two-syllable elegance, connection to both the biblical heroine and the beautiful ibex of the Israeli wilderness, and its modern sound make it a perennial favorite. It represents the Israeli ideal of combining ancient heritage with contemporary identity.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
More Modern Hebrew Names
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