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 experienced significant popularity fluctuations between 1880 and 2023, with notable peaks and valleys over time. In the late 19th century, around 150-250 births per year were recorded, with a slight increase to approximately 300 births annually by the early 20th century. However, starting from the mid-1960s, there was a dramatic surge in popularity: from about 2000 births in 1967, it peaked at over 8000 births per year by 1974 and maintained high levels throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. The name Rachel reached its zenith in popularity in the United States during this period, with a total of nearly 2 million girls named Rachel born between 1967 and 1993 alone.
Nevertheless, Rachel's popularity has gradually declined since the mid-1990s, with fewer than 2500 births per year recorded after 2007. As of 2023, Rachel ranks among the least popular names for newborn girls in recent years, with only around 1200 births annually. Despite this recent decline in popularity, the name Rachel remains a well-established and historically significant name choice due to its enduring appeal during several decades.