Log in · Sign up

Rachael Girl

Popularity: #912 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationRAY-chuhl / /ˈreɪ.tʃəl/

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: Ewe; English: Variant of Rachel

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Rachael has its roots in the Hebrew name רָחֵל (Rachel), which means "ewe" or "female sheep." This etymological origin reflects pastoral imagery, significant in ancient Hebrew culture, where sheep were vital to agrarian life. The name transitioned into Greek as Ραχήλ (Rachēl) and subsequently into Latin as Rachels, before being adopted into Old French as Rachel. The introduction of the name into English occurred during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when many Hebrew names entered the English lexicon through biblical texts and translations.

Historically, Rachel is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis, where she is depicted as the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her story, which includes themes of love, rivalry, and motherhood, has resonated through centuries, contributing to the name's enduring significance in Jewish and Christian traditions. The name appears in various biblical translations, including the King James Bible published in 1611, which helped to solidify its presence in English-speaking cultures.

Culturally, Rachel has been associated with themes of beauty, fertility, and maternal devotion, making it a symbol of nurturing and compassion. The name has also inspired various artistic representations, including literature and visual arts, further embedding it in cultural consciousness. Diminutive forms such as Rach or Rachael have emerged, but the traditional form remains prominent. The name's biblical roots and its representation of enduring love and familial bonds have contributed to its lasting appeal across generations.

Trend Summary

Rachael has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the late 20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Rachel
  • Rachelle

International Variants

  • Raquel (Spanish)
  • Rakel (Norwegian)
  • Rachelle (French)

Famous people named Rachael

Rachael Ray is a television personality and chef best known for The Rachael Ray Show, 30 Minute Meals, and Rachael's Recipes.

Rachael Harris is an actress and comedian best known for The Hangover, Rango, and The Hangover Part II.

Rachael Leigh Cook is an actress and producer best known for She's All That, Josie and the Pussycats, and Perception.

Rachael Lampa is a singer and songwriter best known for her albums Live for You, Rachael Lampa, and the single.

Rachael McAdams is an actress best known for The Notebook, Mean Girls, and Spotlight.

Fictional characters named Rachael

Rachael is a fictional character from the film Blade Runner. She is a replicant who struggles with her identity and emotions in a dystopian future.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Rachael was first seen in the United States in 1880. Rachael has ranked as high as #220 nationally, which occurred in 1990, and has been most popular in California, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Rachael has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Rachael (2023)

StateBirthsShare
CA 6
55%
NY 5
45%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188012
18818
18828
18839
18847
18858
188614
188713
188818
188916
18908
189117
189219
189316
189421
189526
189619
189718
189819
189922
190044
190119
190219
190332
190424
190523
190628
190721
190823
190921
191045
191143
191259
191360
191467
191596
1916160
1917145
1918139
1919118
1920119
1921144
1922115
1923103
192496
192583
192692
192786
192867
192957
193065
193134
193252
193350
193447
193550
193648
193755
193861
193960
194067
194165
194270
194361
194469
194555
194675
194778
194885
1949101
195088
195193
195298
1953143
1954148
1955115
1956121
1957122
1958180
1959141
1960150
1961189
1962180
1963195
1964201
1965217
1966262
1967446
1968483
1969726
1970886
1971850
1972980
1973972
19741,188
19751,376
19761,438
19771,486
19781,694
19791,853
19802,047
19812,131
19822,473
19832,410
19842,652
19852,761
19862,699
19872,833
19882,831
19892,833
19903,028
19912,915
19922,745
19932,746
19942,552
19952,606
19962,485
19972,039
19981,744
19991,654
20001,389
20011,304
20021,041
2003971
2004845
2005797
2006814
2007834
2008658
2009491
2010409
2011321
2012296
2013244
2014210
2015185
2016163
2017116
2018114
201980
202065
202151
202248
202357
202438