Rachel
Rachel is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Ewe, female sheep”, pronounced RAY-chul. It ranked #250 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,225 babies, and peaked at #9 in 1996. Common nicknames: Rach, Rae, Shelly.
How popular is 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.
What does Rachel mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Rachel used 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.
What are the 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
If you like Rachel, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Rachel
Looking for names that pair well with Rachel? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.