Meaning: Its source is a Hebrew expression meaning "Ewe."

Popularity: The name Racheal ranked 1119th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: In Jewish scripture, the patriarch Jacob was so taken by Rachel's beauty that he agreed to work seven years for the privilege of marrying her. Her father craftily substituted Rachel's older sister, Leah, at the wedding ceremony, but such was Jacob's love that he worked yet another seven years to add Rachel to his household.

Rachel has always been a favored name among Jews. Starting with the 17th-century Puritans, it has been consistently popular among Christians as well. It has even spawned a French-sounding variation -- Rachelle -- that is unknown in France.