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

Languages: This girl's name is used in English, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish.

Nickname For: Rachel and Ramona

Compound Forms: Raeana, Raeann, Raeanna and Raelyn

Variant Forms: Raea, Raelene and Raylene

Popularity: The name Rae ranked 751st in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

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.