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Rachel Girl

Popularity: #232 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationRAY-chuhl / /ˈreɪ.tʃəl/

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: ewe; English: a name derived from Hebrew

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Rachel has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the word "רָחֵל" (Raḥel), which translates to "ewe" in English. This etymology reflects the pastoral culture of ancient Israel, where sheep herding was a significant aspect of life. The name was introduced into the Greek language as "Rachēl" and subsequently entered Latin as "Rachel," before being adopted into Old French and eventually making its way into Middle English. The transition through these languages illustrates the name's enduring presence across different cultures and eras.

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 unfolds around the 18th century BCE, has had a lasting impact on Jewish tradition and is often referenced in religious texts and teachings. Rachel's narrative has also inspired various artistic and literary works throughout the centuries, reinforcing her significance in both religious and cultural contexts.

In addition to its biblical roots, the name Rachel has been associated with themes of beauty, love, and maternal devotion, which have contributed to its cultural resonance. The name has been celebrated in various forms of literature and art, often symbolizing the ideal of a devoted wife and mother. The diminutive form "Rae" has also emerged in some cultures, reflecting a more informal or affectionate usage of the name. Overall, Rachel's historical and cultural significance has ensured its place in the lexicon of names across different societies.

Trend Summary

Rachel was a consistently popular name in the United States, peaking in the 1980s and 1990s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Rachael
  • Rachelle

International Variants

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

Famous people named Rachel

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

Rachel Weisz is an actress best known for The Constant Gardener, The Favourite, and The Mummy.

Rachel Bilson is an actress best known for The O.C., Hart of Dixie, and Jumper.

Rachel Ray is a television personality and chef best known for The Rachel Ray Show, 30 Minute Meals, and her cookbooks.

Rachel Maddow is a television host and political commentator best known for The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC.

Rachel Griffiths is an actress best known for Six Feet Under, Brothers & Sisters, and The Lucky One.

Rachel Zoe is a fashion designer and stylist best known for The Rachel Zoe Project and her work with celebrities.

Fictional characters named Rachel

Rachel Green is a fictional character from the TV show Friends. She is one of the six main characters and is known for her journey of personal growth and independence after leaving her fiancé at the altar.

Rachel Dawes is a fictional character from the film Batman Begins. She is a childhood friend of Bruce Wayne and serves as a love interest and moral compass for him throughout the story.

Rachel Zane is a fictional character from the TV series Suits. She is a paralegal who aspires to become a lawyer and has a significant romantic relationship with one of the main characters, Mike Ross.

Rachel Berry is a fictional character from the TV series Glee. She is a talented and ambitious singer who dreams of becoming a Broadway star and often takes center stage in the show's musical performances.

Rachel Summers is a fictional character from Marvel Comics, particularly in the X-Men series. She is the daughter of Cyclops and Jean Grey and possesses powerful telepathic and telekinetic abilities.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Rachel was first seen in the United States in 1880. Rachel has ranked as high as #40 nationally, which occurred in 1985, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Rachel has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Rachel (2024)

StateBirthsShare
NY 305
25%
NJ 177
14%
CA 94
8%
TX 76
6%
PA 62
5%
FL 51
4%
NC 38
3%
OH 30
2%
WA 28
2%
IN 27
2%
GA 24
2%
UT 22
2%
IL 22
2%
MD 21
2%
WI 20
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880166
1881157
1882203
1883174
1884230
1885212
1886213
1887226
1888281
1889266
1890318
1891267
1892369
1893321
1894317
1895351
1896348
1897297
1898367
1899324
1900379
1901369
1902393
1903383
1904356
1905421
1906366
1907420
1908425
1909462
1910538
1911537
1912703
1913827
1914975
19151,205
19161,328
19171,339
19181,542
19191,488
19201,484
19211,583
19221,541
19231,483
19241,600
19251,439
19261,389
19271,286
19281,180
19291,214
19301,261
19311,171
19321,254
19331,142
19341,181
19351,198
19361,208
19371,229
19381,279
19391,345
19401,264
19411,384
19421,427
19431,371
19441,250
19451,207
19461,234
19471,447
19481,388
19491,437
19501,454
19511,435
19521,599
19531,780
19541,806
19551,802
19561,672
19571,821
19581,663
19591,744
19601,792
19612,054
19621,939
19632,178
19642,260
19652,012
19662,277
19673,314
19683,726
19695,242
19706,030
19716,113
19726,417
19736,103
19747,399
19758,228
19768,454
19778,975
19789,802
197910,229
198011,619
198112,590
198213,873
198314,592
198415,838
198516,361
198615,456
198715,644
198815,348
198915,357
199015,710
199116,343
199215,840
199315,973
199415,492
199516,047
199616,120
199713,798
199812,210
199911,631
200010,687
20019,555
20028,943
20037,996
20046,920
20056,223
20065,546
20074,838
20084,086
20093,588
20103,023
20112,664
20122,418
20132,324
20142,090
20151,938
20161,883
20171,622
20181,558
20191,547
20201,305
20211,271
20221,261
20231,223
20241,285