Rachel is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "ewe" or "lamb." It has been used since ancient times and was the name of one of Jacob's wives in the Bible, who gave birth to Joseph, the future governor of Egypt.
The name Raschel appears to be a variant spelling of Rachel. However, it is not as commonly used and may have gained popularity through different cultural influences over time.
In literature, Rachel has been popularized by works such as Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights," where the character Catherine Earnshaw is often referred to by her middle name, Rachel. Additionally, Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre" features a character named Rachel, further contributing to the name's popularity in English-speaking countries.
While Raschel is not as widely recognized as Rachel, it remains a unique and interesting choice for parents looking for an alternative spelling or pronunciation of the classic Hebrew name. Its meaning and origins add depth and significance to its bearer, while its rarity can make it stand out among other names.
The name Raschel has seen a fluctuating number of births over the years in the United States, with some years seeing as many as eight babies given this unique name, and others with only five.
In 1968 and 1971, there were five births each year for girls named Raschel. The late seventies saw an increase to seven births both in 1977 and again in 1980. In the mid-eighties, the number of births with the name Raschel dipped slightly to five in 1983 before rebounding to six in 1986.
In the late eighties, there was a notable spike in popularity for the name Raschel, with eight babies given this name each year in both 1987 and again in 1989. Over these ten years (1968-1989), a total of fifty-one girls were named Raschel in the United States.
Despite the varying numbers over time, it's clear that the name Raschel has had some presence in the United States' naming landscape during this period.