Rachel: meaning of the Hebrew name
רָחֵל
Pronounced rah-KHEL
Meaning of Rachel
Rachel is the name of the matriarch Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife and a shepherdess. The name expresses tenderness, beauty and great love.
And he said unto them: ‘Is it well with him?’ And they said: ‘It is well; and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.’
וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם הֲשָׁלוֹם לוֹ וַיֹּאמְרוּ שָׁלוֹם וְהִנֵּה רָחֵל בִּתּוֹ בָּאָה עִם־הַצֹּאן׃
Rachel in Hebrew
Rachel is written רחל in Hebrew (with vowel points: רָחֵל). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- רResh
- חHet
- לLamed
Gematria value: 238 (Resh 200 + Het 8 + Lamed 30)
About the name
- GenderGirl
- OriginBiblical
- Meaninggentleness and love
- Pronunciationrah-KHEL
- Hebrewרחל
- Syllables2
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Rachel ranked #17 among girls' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (697 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #12, in 2020 and 2023.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 | 697 |
| 2023 | 12 | 799 |
| 2022 | 13 | 778 |
| 2021 | 14 | 799 |
| 2020 | 12 | 799 |
| 2019 | 13 | 754 |
| 2018 | 17 | 754 |
| 2017 | 21 | 711 |
| 2016 | 19 | 719 |
| 2015 | 19 | 702 |
| 2014 | 16 | 734 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Rachel
What does the name Rachel mean?
Rachel is the name of the matriarch Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife and a shepherdess. The name expresses tenderness, beauty and great love.
How do you pronounce Rachel?
Rachel is pronounced rah-KHEL in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Rachel in Hebrew?
Rachel is written רחל in Hebrew (with vowel points: רָחֵל).
Is Rachel a biblical name?
Yes. Rachel appears in the Hebrew Bible, in Genesis 29:6.
How popular is the name Rachel in Israel?
In 2024, Rachel ranked #17 among girls' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (697 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #12, in 2020 and 2023. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Rachel?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling רחל adds up to 238 (Resh 200 + Het 8 + Lamed 30).
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This name in Hebrew: רחל
