Rachel
Rachel first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1985, when 16,360 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,225.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Rachel popular?
Declining Rachel is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
| 2020s | 7,580 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 21,076 | |
| 2000s | 68,401 | |
| 1990s | 149,167 | |
| 1980s | 146,675 | |
| 1970s | 77,749 | |
| 1960s | 26,795 | |
| 1950s | 16,775 | |
| 1940s | 13,409 | |
| 1930s | 12,268 | |
| 1920s | 14,199 | |
| 1910s | 10,482 | |
| 1900s | 3,974 | |
| 1890s | 3,279 | |
| 1880s | 2,128 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Rachel mean?
Rachel is Hebrew for “ewe,” a female sheep taken as a symbol of gentleness. In the Bible she is the beloved wife of Jacob and a matriarch of Israel.
Nicknames for Rachel
- Rach
- Rae
Variants & spellings
- Rachael
- Rachelle
- Raquel
Names like Rachel
Hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Rachel
Popular Hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Rachel
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rachel mean?
Rachel means Ewe. Rachel is Hebrew for “ewe,” a female sheep taken as a symbol of gentleness. In the Bible she is the beloved wife of Jacob and a matriarch of Israel.
What is the origin of the name Rachel?
Rachel is of Hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Rachel?
Rachel is pronounced “RAY-chul.”
Is Rachel a boy or a girl name?
Rachel is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Rachel a popular name right now?
Rachel is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
How popular is the name Rachel?
In 2025, Rachel ranked #250 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Rachel most popular?
Rachel was most popular in 1985, when about 16,360 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Rachel?
Common nicknames for Rachel include Rach, Rae.
What names are similar to Rachel?
Names similar to Rachel include Leah, Sarah, Rebecca, Naomi.
What names go well with Rachel?
Hebrew names that pair well with Rachel include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.