Declining since 1985, #250 for girls today.
Popularity of Rachel since 1880
Babies named Rachel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 2,128 |
| 1890s | 3,279 |
| 1900s | 3,974 |
| 1910s | 10,482 |
| 1920s | 14,199 |
| 1930s | 12,268 |
| 1940s | 13,409 |
| 1950s | 16,775 |
| 1960s | 26,795 |
| 1970s | 77,749 |
| 1980s | 146,675 |
| 1990s | 149,167 |
| 2000s | 68,401 |
| 2010s | 21,076 |
| 2020s | 7,580 |
Meaning & origin
Rachel is a timeless Biblical name with deep roots in Hebrew tradition. Derived from the Hebrew word for 'ewe,' it carries connotations of gentleness and biblical legacy. In the United States, Rachel enjoyed immense popularity throughout the late 20th century, peaking in 1985 when it ranked among the nation's top names for girls. Since then, its usage has followed a falling trajectory, now ranking #250 in 2025. Despite this decline, it remains a familiar and well-loved choice, given to 1 in every 1,312 baby girls last year. The name has a strong geographic footprint, with notable concentrations in states like New York, New Jersey, and Montana. Its enduring appeal is reinforced by its use across various cultures and its association with the virtuous and beautiful Rachel of the Old Testament.
From the Hebrew name רָחֵל (Raḥel), literally meaning 'ewe.' In the Old Testament, Rachel is the beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin, making the name deeply significant in Jewish tradition. The name entered Christian usage via the Bible and gained broader use among English speakers after the Protestant Reformation. It has been a consistently popular name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where it saw a sharp spike in the late 20th century.
Where Rachel is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rachel” around the world
Where Rachel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
180
babies in 2024
Ireland
24
babies in 2025
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Quebec
37
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rach, Rae, Shell
Sibling names for Rachel
Names that share Rachel's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, Miriam, Esther, Alison, Amy, Bethany, Danielle, Debora, Hannah, Joanna, Kristin, Lauren, Megan, Nikki, Rebekah, Roberta, Sara, Abagail, Bethanie, Dinah, Jessika, Kaelyn, Maegan, Michal, Racheal, Reba, Sariah, Shaina, Tabatha, Abigael, Beckie, Debroah, Devorah, Elisheva, Kaily, Keturah, Meriam, Myriam, Rebbecca, Rebeccah, Rebeka, Rebekka, Rebekkah, Sarrah, Yocheved, Abegail, Abigal, Bethani, Cherith, Debborah, Deborha, Deborrah, Joannah, Kayte, Kristena, Linzi, Megann, Mehgan, Mical, Nacole, Rebbeca, Ruchy, Sarahann, Sarha, Shoshanna, Abagael, Abigayl, Amanada, Amye, Becka, Bethanny, Betheny, Channah, Chelise, Debarah, Debbora, Deboraha, Deeana, Hilari, Katelynd, Khrista, Rabecca, Shoshanah, Tiffane, Jessaca, Sarahmarie, Abbigael, Aseneth, Becci, Bekah, Bekka, Danniell, Deannah, Deborh, Hagar, Hager, Judeth, Krystn, Rebacca, Rebakah, Rebecah, Rebeckah, Reveca, Richel, Sarahbeth, Sarahlynn, Yehudit
Brothers: Jacob, Joseph, Benjamin, Daniel, Samuel, Aaron, Abraham, Adam, Chris, Devon, Israel, Issac, Jared, Jesse, Johnathon, Jonathan, Joshua, Mathew, Matthew, Nathanael, Eliezer, Ephraim, Hyman, Jaron, Jedidiah, Joesph, Johathan, Jonathon, Josh, Moshe, Reuben, Rubin, Samual, Saul, Shimon, Simeon, Trace, Yaakov, Yehuda, Zachariah, Aarron, Ahron, Ammon, Avraham, Benjaman, Benjamine, Benjiman, Christan, Daniell, Danniel, Eligah, Esau, Hyrum, Isac, Isreal, Japheth, Jaret, Jedediah, Jerad, Jered, Jeremey, Johnathen, Jonathen, Joshuah, Jospeh, Kennth, Levy, Mickel, Nathon, Ronal, Sammuel, Simcha, Yakov, Yitzchak, Zacharias, Abrahm, Benyamin, Binyamin, Daivd, Davied, Doniel, Ephriam, Esaw, Gregery, Hershal, Isrrael, Issak, Jabin, Janathan, Jezreel, Johnmark, Laban, Manasseh, Mandel, Menashe, Naftoli, Naftuli, Nathanel, Nephi, Pinchas, Reubin, Richey, Richy, Shraga, Timithy, Yehudah, Zachari, Zebulun, Atthew, Benjimen, Benjimin, Danile, Elieser, Izac, Johanan, Johnaton, Jondavid, Jorel, Miachel, Mitchael, Naphtali, Nathanuel, Rishard, Sameul, Samul, Zalmen, Aser, Isack, Jonahtan, Nefi, Abrham, Baruch, Benjerman, Dannel, Danuel, Dvid, Eliazer, Gad, Greogry, Ishmel, Issachar, Johanthan, Johnchristopher, Jonathin, Joseff, Mathhew, Michall, Moyses, Naftula, Nathanyl, Nephtali, Noach, Nussen, Rachard, Roberth, Rodel, Roniel, Ruven, Steaven, Travor, Yaacov, Yitzhak, Zelig
Names like Rachel
Names whose popularity has moved with Rachel's over the last 50 years.
