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Lael

Boy name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Lael: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2024.

Lael is a name with multiple roots, drawing from Hebrew, where it means “belonging to God” and appears in the Old Testament as the father of a Levite leader, and from an English surname origin linked to the word “læl” (of unclear meaning). While rare in Scotland, it has been given to a handful of babies there since the 1970s, reflecting its gentle, melodic sound. Notable bearers include Lael Brainard, an American economist who served as Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve, and Lael Wilcox, an American ultra-endurance cyclist known for record-breaking rides. The name also shares a root with the Welsh place name Llanelwedd, though connections are more poetic than direct. As a variant, it is sometimes considered a short form of the more common Layla, adding to its understated charm.