Holding steady.
Popularity of Rachal since 1925
Babies named Rachal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 17 |
| 1960s | 71 |
| 1970s | 292 |
| 1980s | 483 |
| 1990s | 360 |
| 2000s | 90 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Rachal is a variant spelling of Rachel, a name with deep biblical roots meaning "ewe" in Hebrew. While the standard Rachel has been a top-tier name for decades, Rachal has remained extremely rare. According to Social Security data, the name first appeared in records in 1925, but its usage never reached the threshold to enter the national top 1000. It experienced a modest peak in 1986, when it was given to a small number of baby girls. Since then, its trajectory has been stable but minimal, with no significant rise or fall. The name is not strongly associated with any particular region, as data shows no concentration in any single state. For parents seeking a familiar yet distinctive alternative to Rachel, Rachal offers a subtle spelling twist while retaining the classic sound and heritage.
Rachal is most likely a variant spelling of Rachel, which comes from the Hebrew word meaning "ewe." Rachel was a biblical figure, the beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. The spelling Rachal appears occasionally in English-speaking countries as a respelling of Rachel, possibly influenced by pronunciation. Its usage has been sporadic, never reaching the popularity of the standard form.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rachie, Rae
Sibling names for Rachal
Names that share Rachal's style, for a brother or sister.
