Rachel
Ewe, female sheep — a girl name of Hebrew origin
Popularity of Rachel in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Rachel
Rachel is derived from the Hebrew word "rachel" meaning "ewe" or "female sheep," symbolizing gentleness and innocence. In the Bible, Rachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, described as "beautiful in form and appearance." The name has been used continuously in Jewish communities for millennia and became widely popular across Western cultures. Rachel experienced a major surge in the 1970s through 1990s, partly influenced by the character Rachel Green on the television series Friends.
Rachel Around the World
Rachel is used in 5 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Rachel
Famous People Named Rachel
- Rachel McAdams — Canadian actress
- Rachel Carson — American marine biologist and conservationist
- Rachel Weisz — British-American actress
Similar Names to Rachel
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Sibling Name Ideas for Rachel
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Rachel mean?
Rachel is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Ewe, female sheep." Rachel is derived from the Hebrew word "rachel" meaning "ewe" or "female sheep," symbolizing gentleness and innocence. In the Bible, Rachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, described as "beautiful in form and appearance.
How do you pronounce Rachel?
Rachel is pronounced RAY-chul. Common variations include Rachael, Rachelle, Raquel.
Is Rachel a girl name?
Yes, Rachel is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Rach, Rae, Shelly.
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