Joel

Joel is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It derives from Yo'el, meaning "Yahweh is God." The name is used in various languages and cultures; French uses Joël with a diaeresis. In English, the pronunciation is typically JOE-əl.

In the Bible, Joel is the name of a prophet who is traditionally credited with composing the Book of Joel, situated among the so-called Twelve Minor Prophets. The book discusses the Day of the Lord, calls for repentance, and promises future blessings, including the outpouring of God's spirit in the latter days. The exact dating is uncertain, but it is generally placed in the post-exilic or earlier pre-exilic period in Jewish tradition and is also part of Christian Old Testament canons.

In modern times, Joel is a common given name in many countries. It is used across ethnic and religious groups. Notable individuals named Joel include Joel Osteen, a US evangelical pastor and author; Joel Coen, part of the film-making duo the Coen Brothers; Joel Edgerton, an Australian actor and filmmaker; Joel McHale, an American actor and comedian; and Joel Embiid, a Cameroonian-American professional basketball player. The name is also used as a surname in some cultures.

Variations include Yoel or Yoël (Hebrew), Joël (French), and other transliterations. Joel remains in use in religious, literary, and cultural contexts as a concise, recognizable personal name.