Rakel: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity".It derives from the Hebrew word "Rāḫēl > râchêl".
In Hebrew tradition, Rakel holds special significance as a feminine name representing This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Hebrew culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Rakel
Quick facts about Rakel
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Rāḫēl > râchêl
How to Pronounce Rakel
Rakel is pronounced /ˈræ.kəl/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Rak-el
Say it like: "RAK-EL"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Rakel enjoys international appeal, used in 6 different linguistic and cultural contexts including norwegian, icelandic, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
norwegianicelandicswedishdanishfinnishgreenlandic
Frequently Asked Questions About Rakel
What does the name Rakel mean?
Rakel means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls.". The name comes from Rāḫēl > râchêl. In its original form, the name derives from Rāḫēl (רָחֵל) Rhākhḗl (Ῥαχήλ). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Rakel for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Rakel's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Rakel?
Rakel is a hebrew name. The name traces back to Rāḫēl > râchêl. The original form Rāḫēl (רָחֵל) Rhākhḗl (Ῥαχήλ) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Rakel spread to become common in norwegian, icelandic, swedish, danish and other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Rakel a boy or girl name?
Rakel is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Rakel has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Rakel?
Rakel is pronounced "/ˈræ.kəl/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Rakel is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in norwegian, icelandic, swedish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Rakel can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Rāḫēl > râchêl influences how Rakel sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Rakel?
Rakel is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Rakel offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Rakel's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Rakel holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Rakel commonly used?
Rakel spans multiple cultures, including norwegian, icelandic, swedish, and 3 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Rakel found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Rakel, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Rakel into their naming traditions. A child named Rakel will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Rakel is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.