Joel

Traditionally understood as “Yahweh is God” or “the Lord is God”.

Joel is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, traditionally understood as “Yahweh is God”. The biblical prophet Joel, whose name is also the title of a book of the Old Testament, gives it a clear scriptural connection. In English, Joel can rhyme with “bowl”, or have a light second syllable: JOH-uhl. French Joël has two distinct vowel sounds, and Spanish Joel is pronounced /xo.ˈel/, with the stress on the final syllable. The same name therefore need not sound identical in every language; a bearer’s own pronunciation is the useful guide. The rounded English vowel and final l give Joel a mellow quality to our ear. Its biblical background adds a sense of tradition, while the four-letter form keeps it visually spare. That combination can appeal if you like an established name with little ornament.

Etymology: From Hebrew יוֹאֵל (Yo’el), combining a reference to the divine name YHWH with el, “God”.