What does Raquel mean and where does it come from?
Raquel is of Hebrew origin, spelled as 'רָחֵל'. It carries the meaning of 'ewe' or 'female sheep', symbolizing innocence and purity. Raquel is a well-known name in Spanish-speaking countries and has biblical roots, appearing in the Old Testament as the wife of Jacob. The name has been recorded in va
Cultural significance
Raquel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of ewe.
Peak popularity
Reached #215 in 1970 — currently #692 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Raquel?
Raquel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Raquel Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Raquel Rose
Floral · soft ending
Raquel Mae
Sweet · timeless
Raquel Claire
French influence · crisp
Raquel Jane
Literary · strong
Raquel Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Raquel right now?
Holding steady — currently #692 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #692 | 1,508 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #697 | 1,488 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #702 | 1,458 | ▲ up 228 · +432% births |
| 2020 | #930 | 274 | ▼ down 181 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #749 | 376 | ▼ down 144 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #605 | 485 | ▼ down 130 · -25% births |
| 2005 | #475 | 648 | ▼ down 133 · -28% births |
| 2000 | #342 | 900 | ▼ down 85 · -16% births |
| 1995 | #257 | 1,074 | ▼ down 18 · -10% births |
| 1990 | #239 | 1,189 | stable · +10% births |
| 1985 | #239 | 1,081 | ▲ up 62 · +30% births |
| 1980 | #301 | 834 | ▼ down 39 · -9% births |
| 1975 | #262 | 920 | ▼ down 47 · -37% births |
| 1970 | #215 | 1,469 | ▲ up 407 · +497% births |
| 1965 | #622 | 246 | — |
The story of Raquel
Raquel has been a beloved American name for over 124 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1900. A total of 49,656 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1924 in 1900 to #692 in 2023. Raquel is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Raquel in 1970:
Raquel by decade
Raquel peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 23 | |
| 1910s | 127 | |
| 1920s | 497 | |
| 1930s | 820 | |
| 1940s | 861 | |
| 1950s | 1,569 | |
| 1960s | 4,228 | |
| 1970s | 9,652 | |
| 1980s | 9,877 | |
| 1990s ★ | 11,048 | |
| 2000s | 6,871 | |
| 2010s | 3,809 | |
| 2020s | 274 | |
What are good nicknames for Raquel?
Famous people named Raquel
R(
Raquel (historical community leader)
Raquel led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Raquel?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Raquel also consider these
How is Raquel written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Raquel
What does the name Raquel mean?
Raquel means "Ewe" — 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 Raquel?
Raquel is currently ranked #692 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Raquel?
Raquel 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 Raquel?
Raquel is a two-syllable name pronounced R AH0 K EH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Raquel more of a girl or boy name?
Raquel is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.