Rachel
Meaning of Rachel
The name Rachel, pronounced RAY-chuhl (/ˈreɪtʃəl/), is a classic and timeless choice for baby girls. Originating from Hebrew, the name Rachel means "ewe" or "female sheep," symbolizing innocence and purity. The name holds significant cultural and historical weight, being prominently featured in the Bible as the beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. This association lends a sense of enduring strength and grace to those who bear the name. Over the years, Rachel has maintained steady popularity in the United States, peaking notably in the 1990s when it consistently ranked within the top 20 names for newborn girls. Although its popularity has seen a gradual decline since then, Rachel remains a well-loved choice for parents seeking a name that is both meaningful and elegant. Variations of the name include Rachael, offering a slight twist on this enduring favorite.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as RAY-chuhl (/ˈreɪtʃəl/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Rachel
| Rachel Anne McAdams is a Canadian actress known for her work in both television and film, including notable roles in Perfect Pie, My Name Is Tanino, and the series Slings and Arrows. |
| Rachel Louise Carson was an influential American marine biologist, writer, and conservationist known for her book Silent Spring, which played a pivotal role in advancing the global environmental movement. |
| Rachel Anne Maddow is a prominent American television news program host and liberal political commentator, known for hosting The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC and her syndicated talk radio program. |
| Rachel Joy Scott was a victim of the Columbine High School massacre, tragically becoming its first fatality. |
| Rachel Hannah Weisz is a highly acclaimed British actress, known for her award-winning performances in film and theater. |
| Dame Rachel Whiteread is an English artist known for her sculptures and was the first woman to win the Turner Prize in 1993. |
| Rachel Ashley Platten is an American singer-songwriter and author known for her hit single "Fight Song" and her albums Wildfire and Waves. |
| Rachel Harrison is an American visual artist known for her diverse work in sculpture, photography, and drawing, which often combines handmade forms with found objects or photographs, and has been featured in major exhibitions and museum collections worldwide. |
| Rachel Anne Griffiths is an Australian actress known for her roles in Muriel's Wedding, My Best Friend's Wedding, and Hilary and Jackie. |
| Rachel Zegler is an American actress and singer known for her breakout role as María in West Side Story, for which she won a Golden Globe Award, and for her roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. |
| Rachel Eileen Reilly Villegas is an American television personality known for her appearances on reality TV shows like Big Brother and The Amazing Race, as well as her victories on Celebrity Fear Factor and Snake in the Grass. |
| Rachel Brosnahan is an award-winning American actress known for her role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and appearances in House of Cards and Manhattan. |
| Rachel Jackson was the wife of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, and lived at the Hermitage until her death just before his inauguration in 1829. |
| Rachel Willis-Sørensen is an American operatic soprano known for her powerful and captivating performances. |
| Rachel Bluwstein Sela, also known as Rachel the Poetess, was a renowned Hebrew-language poet who immigrated to Palestine in 1909 and is featured on Israel's 20 Shekel Banknote. |
