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Joel

♂ Boy

Pronounced JOH-ul /ˈdʒoʊ.əl/High

Meaning: Yahweh is God; from Hebrew Yo'el, composed of Yah (God) + El (God)High

In 30 seconds: A solid Hebrew classic meaning 'Yahweh is God.' The Old Testament prophet Joel foretold a great outpouring of the Spirit — making this a name with prophetic weight and enduring biblical stature.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningYahweh is God; from Hebrew Yo'el, composed of Yah (God) + El (God)
Peak year1985
Total births (all-time)≈ 264,868

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198518802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Joel derives from Hebrew יוֹאֵל (Yo'el), composed of Yah (a short form of Yahweh) and El (God), together meaning 'Yahweh is God' or 'God is the Lord.' In the Hebrew Bible, Joel was one of the twelve minor prophets. The name has been in use in the English-speaking world since the Puritan era.

Joel was a consistent top-100 U.S. boys' name from the mid-20th century through the early 21st. It retains a clean, accessible sound that has kept it popular across generations. Notable bearers in music and entertainment have maintained its cultural visibility.

Did you know? The Book of Joel in the Hebrew Bible contains the prophecy 'your sons and daughters will prophesy' — quoted by the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:17).

Variations

YoelJoël

Nicknames

Joe

Famous Bearers

  • ★Joel (biblical prophet) (date uncertain)
    One of the twelve minor prophets of the Hebrew Bible, author of the Book of Joel.
  • ★Billy Joel (b. 1949)
    American singer-songwriter and musician, known as the 'Piano Man.'

If you like Joel…

Eli— another short Old Testament name with a Hebrew resonance
Jesse— biblical Hebrew name with the same accessible two-syllable feel
Caleb— Old Testament name equally popular in contemporary America
Levi— short Hebrew classic equally beloved in modern naming

Frequently Asked

What does the name Joel mean?

Joel means 'Yahweh is God,' from Hebrew Yo'el, combining Yah (God) and El (God). Joel was one of the minor prophets.

How do you pronounce Joel?

Joel is pronounced JOH-ul (/ˈdʒoʊ.əl/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Joel a boy or girl name?

Joel is used predominantly as a boy's name.

How popular is Joel?

Joel has been a consistent top-200 U.S. boys' name for decades, popular for its biblical roots and clean sound.