ayal

Ayal is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin meaning "gazelle" or "deer." It is derived from the Hebrew noun ayal (אַיָּל), a term found in biblical and modern Hebrew to refer to the gazelle or stag. As a name, Ayal is used primarily in Israel and among Jewish communities, with transliteration variants such as Ayal and Ayel. The feminine form Ayala (sometimes Ayalah) is common and also derives from the same root, reflecting a related but distinct name often given to girls.

In Hebrew naming practices, ayal as a root conveys qualities associated with the animal, such as grace and swiftness. Outside Hebrew-speaking communities, the form Ayal may appear as a surname or given name due to cultural contact and immigration, though it remains most recognizable within its Hebrew origin. The name is typically used without political or ideological connotations, and its reception can vary with cultural trends and personal preference.