Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Joel
BoyHebrew· “Yahweh is God”
- Meaning
- Yahweh is God
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JOHL
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #219
- US babies 2025
- 1,633
- Best rank
- #65 (1981)
- Peak year
- 1985
Meaning and origin of Joel
Joel is a Hebrew name that means “Yahweh is God”.
Joel comes from the Hebrew Yo'el, combining two words for God, and is usually rendered "Yahweh is God". In the Bible, Joel is a minor prophet whose short book includes the prophecy that God will pour out his spirit on all people. The name was taken up after the Protestant Reformation and has been used steadily in English-speaking countries and in Scandinavia, France and Spain. It is pronounced JOHL or JOH-uhl in English. Joel is short, gentle and friendly, a biblical name that feels approachable rather than formal. It pairs well with both classic and modern surnames.
Popularity over time
Joel has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #65 in 1981, and the most babies received it in 1985, when 4,623 were named Joel. In 2025, 1,633 babies were named Joel, and it ranked #219 nationally. That is 37% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #308 in 1920, #130 in 1950, #67 in 1980, #112 in 2000, #132 in 2010, and #219 in 2025. Of the 279,655 US boys named Joel since records began, 16% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 37,228 babies. Since 2010, 36,257 more have been named Joel.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Brett, Marcus, Ross, Bryan, and Dustin.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Joel ranked highest in New Mexico, Texas, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #141 | 14 |
| Texas | #151 | 254 |
| California | #152 | 254 |
| Maryland | #162 | 37 |
| Arizona | #174 | 51 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Joel is usually pronounced JOHL, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with J and ends in “-el”.
Middle names for Joel
A few middle names that flow with Joel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Joel
Similar names
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Lists that include Joel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Joel mean?
Joel is a Hebrew name that means “Yahweh is God”.
What is the origin of the name Joel?
Joel has Hebrew roots. Joel comes from the Hebrew Yo'el, combining two words for God, and is usually rendered "Yahweh is God".
Is Joel a popular name?
Yes. Joel ranked #219 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Joel a boy or girl name?
Joel is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Joel?
Joel is usually pronounced JOHL. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings