What does Rahab mean and where does it come from?
Rahab (רָחָב) is a Biblical name found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua, where she is recognized as a woman of Jericho who helped Israelite spies. The name means 'broad' or 'spacious' in Hebrew. Rahab is often seen as a symbol of redemption and faith. The name continues to be
Cultural significance
Rahab has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #12609 in 2016 — currently #16975 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rahab?
Rahab works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rahab Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rahab Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rahab Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rahab Claire
French influence · crisp
Rahab Jane
Literary · strong
Rahab Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rahab right now?
Stable — currently #16975 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2020 | #16466 | 5 | — |
The story of Rahab
Rahab is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2007. With 33 total births recorded, Rahab remains relatively uncommon.
Names that peaked alongside Rahab in 2016:
💎Rahab has only 33 total recorded births since 2007 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Rahab?
Famous people named Rahab
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Rahab (historical figure)
Rahab bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Rahab?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rahab also consider these
How is Rahab written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Rahab
What does the name Rahab mean?
Rahab means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Rahab?
Rahab is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Rahab?
Rahab originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Rahab?
Rahab is a two-syllable name pronounced R AA1 AE1 B. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Rahab a common or rare name?
Rahab is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.