Jael

The Hebrew version (Latin alphabet transcription), Yael, seems to be rather common among Jews today, and the pronunciation has the emphasis on the second syllable: yah-EL. The English version, Jael, is less common, but I have heard it. *However*, I haven't heard it said JAY-əl, which is the provided English pronunciation on this site (and which does sound like jail/gaol). The couple times I've heard it - including the contestant on "America's Next Top Model" Jael Strauss (may her memory be a blessing) - it was pronounced jay-EL, with the emphasis on the second syllable. I much prefer this pronunciation.

The alternate spelling Jaelle is also pretty and makes it more feminine. (I also love the Biblical reference)

Looks too close to "jail".

This name is horrific? Doesn’t seem bad AT ALL! Only 24% voted this name bad. In other words, this name is so cute!

Hi. My name is Jael. Yes my name is from the Hebrew bible. I do say that it kinda sounds like Jail and people say mean comments to me about that type of stuff but it's fun to see a lot about my name and the meanings of it.

Dunno, it sounds like jail. Jael, go to jail!

I am an adult student in Intro to Judaism and aware of finding a Hebrew name for a conversion. Not too concerned about this I was intrigued when my textbook discussed the woman, Jael, (yahEL), her nature and act of courage. When I researched I discovered the name means “tough as nails”; strong, sturdy, hardy, stood for her convictions. And she killed an Assyrian general after he had fallen asleep by driving a tent peg through his head. I recognized that describes my character fairly accurately. And, yes, I could commit that act if necessary. So, unless another name surfaces in my studies, it will be Jael (yahEL). But will think about the spelling to avoid sounding like Jail. I enjoyed all the posts here.

Well my name is Jael... and people do not confuse me with 'jail' as much as you would think... I didn't like my name but I now understand it. I knew about the biblical version- the brave woman who killed the general with a simple tool and I always aspired to be like her- fearless etc, but I never liked the mountain goat affiliation. But now I realize that I am a Capricorn and that's my symbol... a mountain goat... practical, stable, loyal, workaholic. I am now in love with my name.

My name is Jael and I pronounce it Jay-elle. The "jail" thing gets a bit annoying, as does "what does that stand for?" And introducing myself to people and having to repeat myself. But overall, I really don't mind the name and couldn't imagine having a common one in place of it.

Naming your child, 'jail' how nice...

I love this name, especially when pronounced jay-ell. The meaning is a little strange but at the same time a mountain goat is a strong, hardy animal. I would consider using this as a middle name for a future daughter.

If you are worried about the "jail" association you could also spell it Jaelle or Jaielle. This spelling looks less like the word jail and are also unique!

This is one of my favorite girls' names. When I think of a mountain goat, I think of something that climbs rocks better than most humans--and does so as a kid. If the ibex is anything like the American mountain goat, Jael will definitely be on my list of potential names for a daughter. I'd love to see a daughter become a skilled mountain climber.

I heard about someone recently who named their daughter this. At first I thought what a unusual and beautiful name, but now it just seems like "jail" to me.

I am not crazy about this name. No offense to the Jaels out there, but it looks like 'jail' to me. And then there's the meaning - would you name your daughter something meaning 'mountain goat'? Really?

I agree with the anonymous person about the meaning and how it looks.

I really like this name and the biblical character, but unfortunately, it may be mispronounced as "jail."