Joel
Joel: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈd͡ʒoʊ(ə)l/ · /d͡ʒoʊˈɛl/
Meaning and origin of Joel
- A male given name from Hebrew.
Etymology
From Hebrew יוֹאֵל (yo'él, “Yahweh (is) God”). As a medieval French and English given name, it is also from Breton Judicaël (related to Joyce and Jocelyn). Cf. Elijah.
How popular is Joel?
Since 1880, 2,595 girls and 279,655 boys in the U.S. have been named Joel (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1020 in 1966. Its highest rank for boys was #65 in 1981. In 2025 it ranked #219 for boys, with 1,639 babies given the name.
Names similar to Joel
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Hebrew boy names
Sibling name ideas for Joel
Sister and brother names that share Joel's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Joel FAQ
What does the name Joel mean?
A male given name from Hebrew. From Hebrew יוֹאֵל (yo'él, “Yahweh (is) God”). As a medieval French and English given name, it is also from Breton Judicaël (related to Joyce and Jocelyn). Cf. Elijah.
What is the origin of the name Joel?
Joel is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name Joel?
Since 1880, 2,595 girls and 279,655 boys in the U.S. have been named Joel (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1020 in 1966. Its highest rank for boys was #65 in 1981. In 2025 it ranked #219 for boys, with 1,639 babies given the name.
Is Joel a boy or girl name?
Joel is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 2,595 girls and 279,655 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.