Rachel is a female given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "rakhel," which means "ewe" or "lamb." The name Rachel is also associated with the biblical figure Rachel, who was one of the wives of Jacob and the mother of Joseph in the Old Testament. According to the Bible, Rachel's tomb is located near Bethlehem. The name Rachel has been used for centuries and has been popular among Christians throughout history. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a traditional yet meaningful name for their daughters.
The name Rachel has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its popularity was relatively low, with fewer than 400 births each year from 1880 to 1902.
However, starting in 1903, there was a steady increase in the number of newborn girls named Rachel. By 1912, there were over 700 births per year, and this trend continued throughout the remainder of the century. The highest point of popularity for Rachel occurred between 1967 and 1978, during which time there were over 5,000 births each year.
The peak year for the name Rachel was 1978, with a total of 9,803 births. This popularity continued into the early 1980s, but then began to decline gradually. By the end of the century, there were fewer than 2,500 births per year.
In recent years, Rachel's popularity has continued to decrease, with only 1,270 births in 2021 and an estimated 1,258 births in 2022. Despite this decline, Rachel remains a classic and beloved name with a rich history in the United States.