Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Lael
UnisexHebrew· “belonging to God”
- Meaning
- belonging to God
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- LAY-ehl
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,952
- US babies 2025
- 99
- Best rank
- #1,688 (1933)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Lael
Lael is a Hebrew name that means “belonging to God”.
Lael is a Hebrew name meaning "belonging to God." In the Book of Numbers, Lael is the father of Eliasaph, a leader of the Gershonite clan of Levites. The name is rare in the Bible but has been used occasionally in English-speaking countries, especially among families seeking unusual scriptural names. It is used for both boys and girls. It is usually said LAY-ehl, though some say LAYL. Soft and spiritual, it resembles names like Lyle and Leal. Its brevity and meaning make it an interesting alternative to more common biblical names.
Popularity over time
Lael first appears in US Social Security records in 1895. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,688 in 1933, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 99 were named Lael. In 2025, 99 babies were named Lael, and it ranked #1,952 nationally. That is 29% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #4,671 in 1920, #3,560 in 1950, #3,921 in 1980, #4,482 in 2000, #3,344 in 2010, and #1,952 in 2025. Of the 2,360 US girls named Lael since records began, 24% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 376 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Huntley, Zuriel, Mylan, Rooney, and Swayze.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lael ranked highest in Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #791 | 6 |
| New Jersey | #1280 | 5 |
| Virginia | #1293 | 5 |
| Florida | #1382 | 10 |
| Pennsylvania | #1514 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Lael is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 59% of US babies named Lael were girls and 41% were boys.
Lael is usually pronounced LAY-ehl, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-el”.
Middle names for Lael
A few middle names that flow with Lael: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lael
Similar names
Jael Unisex
jay-EHL
“mountain goat” · Hebrew
#1,393
Adiel Boy
AY-dee-el
“ornament of God” · Hebrew
#1,141
Ishmael Boy
ISH-may-el
“God will hear” · Hebrew
#1,469
Zuriel Unisex
ZOOR-ee-ehl
“God is my rock” · Hebrew
#1,727
Aviel Boy
AH-vee-el
“God is my father” · Hebrew
#1,394
Samuel Boy
SAM-yoo-uhl
“God has heard” · Hebrew
#18
Gabriel Boy
GAY-bree-uhl
“God is my strength” · Hebrew
#37
Nathaniel Boy
nuh-THAN-yuhl
“God has given” · Hebrew
#140
Ezekiel Boy
ih-ZEE-kee-uhl
“God strengthens” · Hebrew
#61
Axel Boy
AK-suhl
“father of peace” · Scandinavian
#79
Miguel Boy
mee-GEHL
“who is like God?” · Spanish
#212
Emmanuel Boy
ih-MAN-yoo-uhl
“God is with us” · Hebrew
#179
Lists that include Lael
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lael mean?
Lael is a Hebrew name that means “belonging to God”.
What is the origin of the name Lael?
Lael has Hebrew roots. Lael is a Hebrew name meaning "belonging to God." In the Book of Numbers, Lael is the father of Eliasaph, a leader of the Gershonite clan of Levites.
Is Lael a popular name?
Not especially. Lael ranked #1,952 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lael a boy or girl name?
Lael is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 59% of US babies named Lael were girls and 41% were boys.
How do you pronounce Lael?
Lael is usually pronounced LAY-ehl. 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