Girl · Hebrew · Old Testament

Rachel

RAY-chuhl · from Rachel · means “Ewe, lamb”

Rachel is a Hebrew name meaning "ewe" or "lamb." She was the beloved wife of Jacob, for whom he labored fourteen years, and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin (Genesis 29-30). Her story of deep love and long-awaited motherhood has made her name a lasting picture of devotion.

“Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, "I'll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel."”

The story behind the name

Jacob met Rachel at a well and loved her immediately, agreeing to work seven years for her hand in marriage. Scripture says those years "seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her" (Genesis 29:20). Deceived into marrying her sister Leah first, Jacob worked seven more years to finally marry Rachel.

For years Rachel longed for a child while her sister bore son after son, and she cried out to Jacob, "Give me children, or I'll die!" (Genesis 30:1). God remembered her, and she gave birth to Joseph, later dying while giving birth to her second son, Benjamin, on the road to Bethlehem.

Rachel's memory echoes through Scripture, even into Matthew's account of the grief following the massacre of the innocents (Matthew 2:18). A daughter named Rachel carries a name of tender devotion, deeply loved and deeply missed.

Middle names that sing with Rachel

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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