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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Joel

39 replies

ch1134 · 03/05/2015 10:25

What do you think when you hear the name Joel?
Does it have links with a particular country or religion?
I have a Louis and wondered if Joel 'goes'.
Thanks

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WishIwasanastronaut · 03/05/2015 10:30

It's quite middle class and sounds very awkward in other languages (although many names do). But if you like it, go for it!

NotKayBurley · 03/05/2015 10:30

I like it. It's a nice "rounded" sounding name. It doesn't make me think of a particular country/religion/class. The only one I know is a Welsh detective in his 30s who is a very nice bloke. Hth.

HoldenCaulfield80 · 03/05/2015 10:33

Not empirical evidence but I've taught a lot of naughty Joels over the years...

Original poster
ch1134 · 03/05/2015 10:33

Great comments, thanks. I do like names that work in Europe, especially France, and I have Cornish/ Welsh heritage.

OP posts:
NotKayBurley · 03/05/2015 10:34

Update: just asked dp (I was thinking of stealing the name Wink) and his reaction was "Jewish New Yorker". He has some funny ideas though..

Original poster
ch1134 · 03/05/2015 10:34

No he may be right... I was thinking Jewish too for some reason and that's why I asked.

OP posts:
Leviticus · 03/05/2015 10:39

Well yes, there is a book of Joel in the Old Testament, named after the Jewish prophet who wrote it.

It's a marvellous name and would have been DS2s name if I'd had my way.

Original poster
ch1134 · 03/05/2015 10:40

Oh right, I should've known that! That's fine, my family is Catholic and I like strong, old names.

OP posts:
TrollshaveLittleWillies · 03/05/2015 10:51

I think it's a lovely name. It goes brilliantly with Louis. It's not common either. It didn't evoke any religion to me.

IvoryMadonna · 03/05/2015 12:02

Billy Joel is a "Jewish New Yorker", that's who I'd think of first.

villainousbroodmare · 03/05/2015 12:05

I like it.
I'd first think of Billy Joel probably, and isn't there always a debate on how to pronounce it? JO-el or Jo-EL?
Would that be annoying for him?

Hassled · 03/05/2015 12:06

I really like Joel. I know 2 lovely Joels.

BunnyBunnyMooseMoose · 03/05/2015 18:38

I know a 7 year old Joel with a little brother (around 4 yrs old I think) Louis. Lovely family, two gorgeous boys Smile

Lunastarfish · 03/05/2015 22:22

If I ever have a boy, Joel is what I want. However my DP also thinks it's a 'Jewish' name. I think it goes rather nicely with Louis

Marcipex · 04/05/2015 00:08

If I heard Joel with two syllables, I'd be surprised and pleased. The only one I know is pronounced Jole.
It would be a nice name if they said it properly.

GuatemalanRum · 04/05/2015 00:33

Is it supposed to be Jo - el? I had no idea. The one I know is pronounced Jole (like Noel)

Iflyaway · 04/05/2015 00:42

I know a Joel (two syllables)..

He is awful - but don't let that put you off! Smile

Joel is a lovely name. Not sure about two siblings called Noel and Joel tho..

netty7070 · 04/05/2015 00:58

I like it, it's different without being try hard and cringey. I immediately think of Joel from northern exposure, which is no bad thing.

LadyGooGaa · 04/05/2015 08:08

Yep, it is a very Jewish name - and a lovely one too. No different from Ethan, Isaac etc - also very Jewish. In Hebrew it is actually Yo-el so slightly different.

laurenlhthompson · 04/05/2015 08:11

Joel is the name I've picked if my baby is a boy. We chose it because it's not massively common but it's not out there. Everyone we've asked opinions from love it. Although I'm biased I think it's a lovely name and will suit a baby and an old man. Go for it :)

LemonYellowSun · 04/05/2015 08:12

I know a couple of Joels. Nice kids from non religious families. I really like it.

Leeds2 · 04/05/2015 10:46

I think of Joel Garner, the cricketer. Which is a positive connection for me!

I know one in real life (age 17), and he is lovely.

GreatAuntDinah · 04/05/2015 14:31

It's not very Jewish in France, since you mention it, but it is very middle-aged: it peaked in the early 1950s www.aufeminin.com/w/prenom/p9387/joel.html

thebeesankles · 04/05/2015 14:35

Love the name Joel, like Jonah too.

MustBeLoopy390 · 04/05/2015 14:36

Love it. It's on our list for our boys name, mainly because dh and i are huge gamers and The Last Of Us is one of our favourite games :)