Raquel Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationrah-KEL / /raˈkɛl/Spanish; Portuguese
Meaning
Spanish: ewe; Portuguese: little innocent one
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Raquel has its roots in the Hebrew name רָחֵל (Rachel), which means "ewe" or "female sheep." This name appears in the Hebrew Bible, where Rachel is a significant figure as the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. The name was subsequently adopted into Greek as Ραχήλ (Rachēl) and then into Latin as Rahela, which influenced its later forms in various languages, including Old French and ultimately English. The transition into English occurred through the biblical texts, particularly during the Middle Ages when the name became more widely recognized due to the influence of the Christian tradition and the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages, including the King James Bible in the early 17th century.
Throughout history, Rachel has been a symbol of beauty and maternal devotion, often associated with themes of longing and love due to her biblical narrative. The name has been borne by various notable figures, including saints and queens, which has contributed to its enduring presence in various cultures. In medieval Christian texts, Rachel is often depicted as a figure of compassion and grace, further solidifying her significance in religious and cultural contexts.
In addition to its biblical roots, the name Raquel has also been embraced in various cultures, particularly in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, where it has maintained a strong presence. The name's association with pastoral imagery and its historical connections to biblical narratives have allowed it to resonate across generations. Diminutive forms such as Rachy or Rachelle have also emerged, reflecting the name's adaptability and continued relevance in different linguistic and cultural landscapes.
Trend Summary
Raquel has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Raqel
- Rakel
International Variants
- Raquel (Spanish)
- Rakel (Norwegian)
- Rachelle (French)
Famous people named Raquel
Raquel Welch is an actress and singer best known for One Million Years B.C., Fantastic Voyage, and The Three Musketeers.
Raquel Rodriguez is a professional wrestler best known for her work in WWE and NXT.
Raquel Leviss is a television personality best known for Vanderpump Rules.
Fictional characters named Raquel
Raquel is a fictional character from the film The Incredibles. She is a superhero known for her incredible strength and is a member of the superhero team.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Raquel was first seen in the United States in 1900. Raquel has ranked as high as #391 nationally, which occurred in 1970, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Raquel has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Raquel (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 39 | |
TX | 35 | |
NY | 14 | |
FL | 11 | |
NJ | 11 | |
GA | 10 | |
MA | 8 | |
MD | 8 | |
WA | 8 | |
NC | 8 | |
OH | 7 | |
VA | 7 | |
CO | 6 | |
TN | 6 | |
KY | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1900 | 6 |
1904 | 5 |
1905 | 7 |
1906 | 5 |
1910 | 8 |
1911 | 8 |
1912 | 8 |
1913 | 12 |
1914 | 9 |
1915 | 18 |
1916 | 14 |
1917 | 16 |
1918 | 11 |
1919 | 18 |
1920 | 20 |
1921 | 27 |
1922 | 29 |
1923 | 28 |
1924 | 46 |
1925 | 34 |
1926 | 50 |
1927 | 68 |
1928 | 90 |
1929 | 105 |
1930 | 120 |
1931 | 118 |
1932 | 71 |
1933 | 70 |
1934 | 86 |
1935 | 73 |
1936 | 79 |
1937 | 66 |
1938 | 59 |
1939 | 73 |
1940 | 85 |
1941 | 71 |
1942 | 50 |
1943 | 84 |
1944 | 76 |
1945 | 67 |
1946 | 93 |
1947 | 103 |
1948 | 110 |
1949 | 118 |
1950 | 110 |
1951 | 107 |
1952 | 136 |
1953 | 151 |
1954 | 155 |
1955 | 160 |
1956 | 171 |
1957 | 166 |
1958 | 209 |
1959 | 204 |
1960 | 195 |
1961 | 227 |
1962 | 203 |
1963 | 221 |
1964 | 222 |
1965 | 246 |
1966 | 270 |
1967 | 484 |
1968 | 940 |
1969 | 1,207 |
1970 | 1,470 |
1971 | 1,196 |
1972 | 1,013 |
1973 | 924 |
1974 | 861 |
1975 | 921 |
1976 | 797 |
1977 | 795 |
1978 | 805 |
1979 | 810 |
1980 | 835 |
1981 | 905 |
1982 | 872 |
1983 | 823 |
1984 | 798 |
1985 | 1,082 |
1986 | 978 |
1987 | 1,170 |
1988 | 1,156 |
1989 | 1,168 |
1990 | 1,189 |
1991 | 1,272 |
1992 | 1,148 |
1993 | 1,223 |
1994 | 1,104 |
1995 | 1,074 |
1996 | 1,042 |
1997 | 1,024 |
1998 | 911 |
1999 | 970 |
2000 | 900 |
2001 | 852 |
2002 | 756 |
2003 | 770 |
2004 | 688 |
2005 | 648 |
2006 | 604 |
2007 | 651 |
2008 | 538 |
2009 | 465 |
2010 | 486 |
2011 | 449 |
2012 | 456 |
2013 | 409 |
2014 | 404 |
2015 | 377 |
2016 | 336 |
2017 | 308 |
2018 | 288 |
2019 | 308 |
2020 | 275 |
2021 | 296 |
2022 | 259 |
2023 | 294 |
2024 | 232 |