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Rachel

Girl name · 11,587 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Rachel: 11,587 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 555 births in 1993.

Rachel is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, derived from the word *rahel* meaning "ewe" or "female sheep." In the Old Testament, Rachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin, making the name a symbol of tenderness and patience. Among its famous bearers is the celebrated 19th-century French actress Rachel Félix, often known simply as "Rachel." The name has also crossed the Atlantic with American environmentalist Rachel Carson, whose work *Silent Spring* sparked the modern conservation movement. A surprising place connection lies in Rachel, Nevada, a tiny unincorporated town located near the mysterious Area 51 military base. The name experienced a notable revival in Scotland during the 1980s and 1990s.