Etymology Yechiel is a Hebrew masculine given name, the Modern Hebrew form of Jehiel. Jehiel means "God will live" or "May God live"/"God shall live", derived from the Hebrew elements ḥaya meaning "to live" and ʾel meaning "God". Yechiel is a variant of Yehiel, and other spellings include Jehiel, Yechi'el. Yiddish variants include Ichel, Ychel, Echiel, Cheil, and Chil. Biblical and Cultural Background Jehiel, and hence Yechiel, appears in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as the name of several individuals, including one of King David's lute players. The name's theophoric structure—combining a verb for "life" with a divine name—is typical of Hebrew theophoric names expressing trust in or praise of God. Yechiel is common among Jewish communities, particularly in Israel, where it is used as a modern variant. The name's root is ultimately linked to David, meaning "beloved" or "uncle", and has been enduringly popular traditionally. Notable Bearers Notable bearers of the name (and its variant spellings) span several centuries and countries. Yechiel (here linked) includes Yechiel De-Nur (1909–2001), an Israeli writer and Holocaust survivor; Yechiel Eckstein (1951–2019), an American rabbi and founder of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews; and Yechiel Leiter (born 1959), an Israeli politician. Yehiel Bar (born 1975), Yehiel Lasri (born 1957), and Yehiel Dresner (1922–1947, a pre-state Jewish paramilitary fighter) are also notable. On the other hand, Yechiel Michel Epstein (1829–1908) was a distinguished Lithuanian rabbi. The name's scope in Jewish life illustrates its classical and ongoing usage. Linguistic Context Yechiel comes from the Biblical Hebrew Yechi'el, which appears in the Bible as Jehiel. It serves as an example of how traditional Hebrew names are sometimes revived or adapted in modern Israel. The variants show phonetic evolution through Yiddish and other Jewish languages, demonstrating the name's integration into diverse Jewish traditions while retaining its core meaning. Key Facts Meaning: "May God live" or "God will live" Origin: Hebrew (Modern Hebrew form of Biblical Jehiel) Type: First name Regions of use: Israel, Diaspora Jewish communities Related names: Jehiel, Yehiel, Yechi'el (Biblical Hebrew); also linked to David