Girl · 15th of 27,321
Rachel
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
574,486
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1985
Peak Popularity Year
16,438
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Rachel stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Rachel has Hebrew origins and means 'ewe'. It has evolved through various languages while maintaining its core meaning. Rachel is depicted as a loving and devoted figure in biblical texts, contributing to its enduring appeal. It has historical roots in biblical times and has seen a rise in popularity in modern times. The name is often associated with positive traits and has notable figures who bear the name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈreɪtʃəl/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Rachel comes from the Hebrew word 'rakhel', which means 'ewe'. In the Bible, Rachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
Meaning
ewe
Language Evolution
Rakhel (Hebrew), Rachelle (French), Rachael (English)
Biblical Background
Rachel is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for her beauty and her role as a matriarch of the Israelite people.
Historical Usage
The name Rachel has been in use since biblical times and has remained popular throughout the centuries, particularly in Jewish and Christian communities.
Variants & Derivatives
Rachael, Rachelle, Raychel, Rae
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Rachel is viewed as classic and timeless, often associated with kindness and beauty. It gained a resurgence in popularity in the late 20th century.
Famous People
Rachel Carson, an influential environmentalist, Rachel Weisz, an acclaimed actress, Rachel McAdams, a popular film actress
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 16,438 peak births in 1985
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 15 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3303rd of 7545 | 100 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2537th of 6773 | 166 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3444th of 7552 | 105 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1778th of 10718 | 409 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1560th of 16616 | 806 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6302nd of 24088 | 185 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 20190th of 23106 | 10 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 160th of 9107 | 25,882 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 172nd of 9204 | 22,565 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 193rd of 12526 | 32,505 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 46th of 19264 | 105,940 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 15th of 27321 | 246,584 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 30th of 35406 | 114,126 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 187th of 30306 | 19,307 |