Rising since 1990, #1,458 for girls today.
Popularity of Rochel since 1947
Babies named Rochel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 15 |
| 1950s | 111 |
| 1960s | 147 |
| 1970s | 270 |
| 1980s | 451 |
| 1990s | 521 |
| 2000s | 792 |
| 2010s | 1,021 |
| 2020s | 695 |
Meaning & origin
Rochel, a Yiddish variant of Rachel, saw its first recorded U.S. use in 1947 and has been steadily rising in popularity, particularly since the 1990s. In 2025, it ranked 1,458th and was given to approximately 1 in 10,934 newborn girls. The name reached its peak in 2025, indicating growing interest. Geographically, Rochel is most popular in New Jersey and New York, reflecting concentrations of Orthodox Jewish communities. The trajectory shows consistent growth since 1990, though the name remains relatively uncommon nationwide.
Rochel is primarily a Yiddish form of Rachel, from Hebrew רָחֵל (Rakhel) meaning 'ewe'. In Ashkenazi Jewish communities, the name Rachel was often given as Rochel, reflecting Yiddish pronunciation. It has been used among Jews for centuries, though its English spelling variant gained some use in the United States after the mid-20th century.
Where Rochel is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rochy, Rochele
Sibling names for Rochel
Names that share Rochel's style, for a brother or sister.
