US Popularity:533
Origin:Hebrew
Meaning:ewe or female sheep
Rachel is a lovely feminine name meanding "ewe" or "female sheep." In the Hebrew Bible, Rachel was the beloved, beautiful wife of Jacob, and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin—who became the heads of two of the twelve tribes of Israel. Rachel and Jacob met when she was tending to a flock of sheep, hence the meaning of this historic name. Since the Reformation in the early 16th century, it has become a popular choice from people of all religions. There are also many celebrities named Rachel—McAdams, Weisz, and Maddow, to name a few—not to mention Rachel Greene, played by Jennifer Aniston in the TV series Friends.

Rachel Name Popularity Data

The Bump Ranking

Overall:Rachel is currently #195 on The Bump
Girl:Rachel is currently #85 on The Bump Girl Names

U.S. Births

Overall:Rachel is currently #533 in U.S. births
Girl:Rachel is currently #182 in U.S. births

Yearly Ranking Change:

Year:
2022
#533
in 2022
- 7
from 2021
In comparison to the previous year's data
Sources
  • Abarim Publications Rachel meaning

  • Online Etymology Dictionary Rachel

  • Dictionary of American Family Names by Patrick Hanks

  • Behind the Name Rachel

Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
Not sure you have the perfect name? Search to add more baby names to your My Favorites list.