Rachel
Rachel: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɹeɪ.tʃəl/
Meaning and origin of Rachel
- A female given name from Hebrew.
Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin Rāchēl, from Ancient Greek Ῥαχήλ (Rhakhḗl), from Biblical Hebrew רָחֵל (rāḫēl, “ewe”). Doublet of Raquel.
How popular is Rachel?
Since 1880, 573,957 girls and 1,791 boys in the U.S. have been named Rachel (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #9 in 1996. Its highest rank for boys was #981 in 1984. In 2025 it ranked #250 for girls, with 1,225 babies given the name.
Names similar to Rachel
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Hebrew girl names
Sibling name ideas for Rachel
Sister and brother names that share Rachel's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Rachel FAQ
What does the name Rachel mean?
A female given name from Hebrew. Borrowed from Late Latin Rāchēl, from Ancient Greek Ῥαχήλ (Rhakhḗl), from Biblical Hebrew רָחֵל (rāḫēl, “ewe”). Doublet of Raquel.
What is the origin of the name Rachel?
Rachel is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name Rachel?
Since 1880, 573,957 girls and 1,791 boys in the U.S. have been named Rachel (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #9 in 1996. Its highest rank for boys was #981 in 1984. In 2025 it ranked #250 for girls, with 1,225 babies given the name.
Is Rachel a boy or girl name?
Rachel is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 573,957 girls and 1,791 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.