Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Joel

Joel is a Hebrew name borne from the Bible; most notably as one of King David’s ‘mighty men’ [1 Chronicles 11:38] as well as the minor prophet revealed in the Old Testament book bearing his name. The etymology of the name comes from two different Hebrew elements, both of which mean God. Yah + El. So the name of Joel basically means “God God”, perhaps underscoring the ancient Jewish belief that there is only one true God. The name has been a persistent favorite among Jewish people, but was also picked up by the Puritans and other fundamentalist Christian groups later on. In terms of its popularity in the English-speaking world, the name Joel has traditionally been isolated to North America (mainly the United States and Canada).

All About the Baby Name – Joel

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME JOEL

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME JOEL

The name Joel entered the 20th century with moderate popularity. Its growth mainly started in the 1930s and by 1967, Joel entered the Top 100 list of most-favored boys’ names where is stayed for about 20 years. The 1980s was clearly the best decade for Joel, but today it’s still in moderate strong use. The name has always been favored among Jewish people and fundamentalist Christians for its double-dosage of God etymology. The name is loaded with religious implications. But as a classical Biblical name, Joel has the endurance and appeal for many American parents. It’s a simple, one-syllable name in the ever-popular “J” category of names. A risk-free choice, Joel is a mainstay.

Quick Facts

ON JOEL

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

144

PRONUNCIATION:

JOHL

SIMPLE MEANING:

God God

Characteristics

OF JOEL

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Joel

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME JOEL

Joel is a character in the controversial 1971 book titled “Go Ask Alice” by an anonymous author. It’s presented as the actual diary of a teenage girl who becomes addicted to drugs and so it has become a thinly veiled statement against drug use. The diarists name is never given (fittingly since it’s a diary after all!). The character of Joel who comes into the life of the diarist is one of virtue and kindness. He is able to draw her out of her self-destructive shell and she regains trust in the world through him. She is embarrassed about her past and insecure about herself, but he accepts her from the inside as she opens up to him. Joel restores the idea of true romantic love and is the epitome of goodness.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME JOEL

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Joel


Popular Songs

ON JOEL

Movin' Out / Anthony's Song (Billy Joel)
A catchy Billy Joel tune from the 1980's.

Joel
a song by The Boo Radleys

Famous People

NAMED JOEL

Joel Grey (singer/entertainer)
Joel Coen (director)
Joel Gretsch (actor)
Joel McCrea (actor)
Joel McHale (actor/TV personality)
Joel Przybilla (basketball player)
Joel Osteen (preacher)

Children of Famous People

NAMED JOEL

Kate Gosselin;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME JOEL

In the Old Testament, Joel is one of the 12 minor prophets along with Hosea, Amos, Jonah, Micah and others. The Book of Joel is about the “great and terrible day of the Lord” [Joel 2:31] whereby he talks about the Day of Judgment for the whole earth if Israel doesn’t change its present course of wrong-doing and return to God. Joel states that “all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved” [Joel 2:32]. Nonetheless, God (while “slow to anger”) still plans some mighty big judgments on the non-repentant. Joel details that the sun will turn black, the moon to blood and locusts will swarm and destroy. Not exactly the kind of news the Israelites probably hoped for. Joel does dangle a bit of good news in all this doom-and-gloom: “Who knows? He may relent and have compassion, and leave behind a blessing” [Joel 2:13-14].