The Baby Name Wizard

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Joel!

Comments and insights on the name Joel: | Edit

My son's name is Joel. He is Spanish. People often pronounce it JOLE...I hate that!. He is JO-EL!

...It IS actually pronounced JOHL, not JO-EL...sorry!

Personal experiences with the name Joel: | Edit

My husband's name is Joel. Whenever we give his name at restaurants, no one seems able to pronounce it. They generally try to call him "Joe-el" or use the silent j sound and say "ho-el". I'm not quite sure what is so difficult about it, but it's a common occurrence! Either way - it's a great name!

I've known several Joels in my life and each of them has been a wonderfully friendly, easy-going person. The name makes me smile.

Nicknames for Joel: | Edit

J, Jo, Bebo

My 9-month-old son's name is Joel...he gets called lots of names, Joelby, Joelie, Joelbert, Polie, Joelster. I don't like Joe, Joey, or JoJo, so we do not call him those.

Meanings and history of the name Joel: | Edit

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Famous real-life people named Joel: | Edit

Joel McCaughey, septuplet born to Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey in 1997
Joel Gosselin, sextuplet born to Jon and Kate Gosselin in 2004, seen on TLC's "Jon & Kate Plus 8"
Billy Joel, singer
Joel McHale, host of "The Soup" on E!
Joel Grey, Broadway singer/dancer (Cabaret, George M, Wicked)
Joel Hodgson, creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000
Joel Madden, lead singer of Good Charlotte and partner of Nicole Richie
Joel Ward, Canadian hockey player for the Washington Capitals.
Joel McCrea, American movie actor

Joel in song, story & screen: | Edit

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