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Rachael

♀ Girl

Rachael Pronunciation

Rachael is pronounced RAY-chəl /ˈreɪ.tʃəl/High

Meaning: -ael spelling of Rachel — Hebrew, 'ewe' — the shepherdess Jacob loved and served fourteen years to wedHigh

In 30 seconds: The beloved, with an extra vowel: Rachael spells the matriarch Jacob worked fourteen years to marry — 'ewe', the shepherdess. TV chefs and Blade Runner made the -ael form familiar.

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Origin HighHebrew

Meaning-ael spelling of Rachel — Hebrew, 'ewe' — the shepherdess Jacob loved and served fourteen years to wed

U.S. rank (2024)#3935 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births38 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1990

Total births (all-time)≈ 82,440

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Rachael is an -ael spelling of Rachel — Hebrew, 'ewe' — the shepherdess matriarch for whom Jacob served twice seven years. The variant rode mid-century records and stays visible through Rachael Ray.

It registers thinly beside Rachel today. Rare, beloved-ewe at the root, and homey.

Did you know? Rachael Ray cooked the -ael spelling into American kitchens — while Blade Runner's replicant Rachael gave it sci-fi immortality.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Rachel — root etymology

Variations

RachelRachelleRaquel

Nicknames

RachRae

Famous Bearers

★Rachael Ray (1968–present)
American TV chef and talk-show host.

If you like Rachael…

Rachel— the standard spelling of the same name

Raquel— the Spanish glamour form

Rachelle— the French-styled sister

Leah— the biblical sister herself

→ See all names like Rachael

Browse the whole category: All Hebrew names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Rachael?

Rachael is pronounced RAY-chəl (/ˈreɪ.tʃəl/). Press play above to hear Rachael said aloud.

How do you say Rachael?

Rachael is said RAY-chəl (/ˈreɪ.tʃəl/). Press play above to hear Rachael said aloud.

What does the name Rachael mean?

Rachael is a spelling of Rachel, Hebrew for 'ewe' — the beloved shepherdess.

Is Rachael a boy or girl name?

Rachael is a girl's name.

How popular is Rachael?

Rachael is a rare spelling in the U.S. today; Rachel is more common.