Popularity: 1848
Origin: Swiss
Other Origin(s): Hebrew
Meaning: Wild mountain goat; To be useful
Jael is a Swiss name for girls with rich Hebrew origins, meaning “wild mountain goat.” A variation of Jaala and Yael, this sweet title also stems from the Hebrew verb for “to be useful,” rooting Jael in a practical context. In the Hebrew Bible, Jael is a heroine credited with saving Israel from Canaanite forces led by the King of Hazor and his general Sisera. The famous account describes Jael hammering a tent peg into Sisera’s head and killing him, sparking 40 years of peace. Regardless of your faith status, giving baby a name that honors this brave and passionate woman is a beautiful omen that makes Jael hard to resist. Another popular variant of this name is Jaël, which is very common in Switzerland. This name recalls the Alpine Ibex, a wild goat species native to the European Alps, symbolizing fortitude and resilience in Swiss culture. The dreamy Swiss singer-songwriter, Jaël, bears this melodic appellation.