Rachelle is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "rakhel," which means "ewe" or "female sheep." The name Rachelle is often associated with the biblical figure Rachel, who was one of the wives of Jacob and the mother of Joseph in the Old Testament.
The name Rachelle has been popular throughout history, particularly among Jewish communities. In the Middle Ages, it was common for Jews to give their daughters Hebrew names like Rachelle as a way of preserving their cultural heritage. Today, Rachelle remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name with Hebrew origins and a classic sound.
One notable figure bearing the name Rachelle is Rachelle Lefevre, a Canadian actress known for her roles in films such as "Twilight" and "12 Monkeys." Despite the popularity of her first name, however, Rachelle Lefevre has maintained a relatively private life away from the public eye.
The name Rachelle has been popular in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its usage since the mid-20th century. In the early 1900s, there were fewer than 15 births per year with the name Rachelle. However, starting from the late 1940s to the peak in the mid-1960s, the number of annual births with this name steadily increased, reaching a maximum of 784 births in 1968.
Interestingly, the popularity of Rachelle continued to grow throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with an average of around 850 births per year during these decades. This demonstrates that the name was well-liked by parents during this period. Despite a slight decline in popularity beginning in the late 1980s, Rachelle remained relatively common throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with approximately 300 births per year.
As of recent years, the name Rachelle has seen a further decrease in its usage. Between 2016 and 2023, there were an average of around 45 births per year with this name. Nevertheless, even with this reduced popularity, Rachelle remains a classic choice for parents who appreciate timeless names with a touch of uniqueness.
In total, over the course of more than a century (from 1911 to 2023), there have been approximately 33,833 births in the United States with the name Rachelle. This demonstrates that although its popularity has fluctuated over time, Rachelle remains an enduring and beloved choice among American parents.