Raquel

Meaning of Raquel

Raquel (rah-KEL) is the spirited Spanish twist on Rachel, the beloved Hebrew classic meaning “ewe,” long a symbol of gentleness and quiet resilience. The name swept into Anglo-American ears on a warm Mediterranean breeze, then rocketed up U.S. charts in the swinging ’60s—helped, no doubt, by silver-screen siren Raquel Welch, whose glamour gave the name a sun-kissed sparkle. Today Raquel sits just outside the Top 700, a sweet spot that keeps her familiar yet refreshingly uncommon, like a hidden gem in a well-loved storybook. She offers parents an effortless bilingual sound, an easy two-syllable rhythm, and a built-in sense of confidence—think soft wool with steel underneath. Raquel fits a baby who might one day paint murals, argue cases, or climb red-rock canyons; she carries history, Hollywood sheen, and a whisper of adventure in five bright letters.