Origin and Meaning of Yentl
Meaning & Origin
A fictional character name denoting a strong-willed woman
Origin: Yiddish - The name Yentl is derived from the Yiddish feminine form of the name Daniel, which means 'God is my judge'.
Interesting Facts
- Yentl is often associated with the 1975 Yentl story by Isaac Bashevis Singer, which tells the tale of a young woman who disguises herself as a man to pursue her studies in Talmud.
- The name gained further popularity with the 1983 film adaptation of the story, directed by and starring Barbra Streisand, showcasing themes of gender roles and empowerment.
- Yentl is most commonly used in Jewish communities and among those familiar with Yiddish literature, portraying a sense of cultural identity.
- While the name is not commonly used as a first name today, its association with strong female characters has made it emblematic of women's rights and education.
- Variations of the name include Yenta, which has a different meaning relating to gossip or matchmaking, and is often used in a derogatory sense in Yiddish culture.