Yael is a popular Jewish girl’s name meaning “ibex” or “mountain goat,” a graceful creature native to the arid cliffs of the Land of Israel.

Who was Yael in the Bible?

In the Book of Judges, the Prophetess Deborah guided the Jewish army to victory over their Canaanite enemies. But Sisera, the Canaanite general, managed to escape to the tent of Heber the Kenite. His wife, Yael, welcomed the general inside and fed him warm milk.

Exhausted from battle, Sisera quickly fell into a deep sleep. Brave Yael cautiously approached and drove a long peg through his temple, putting an end to the life of the hated oppressor.

Yael is praised for her decisive act in Deborah’s famous song in the Book of Judges. And the Sages in Bereishit Raba attribute greater significance to Yael’s actions than to those of the Matriarchs.

Similar Names

Yaeli is a common nickname for Yael. Ayalah is a similar name, meaning “gazelle.”