Rachel is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew name Rāchēl (רָחֵל), meaning "ewe" or "female sheep." In the Bible, Rachel is one of the matriarchs of the Israelites, the wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. The name has been widely used in Jewish communities and has also gained popularity in many other cultures. In Hebrew, the name is pronounced as Ra-khel. Translations and variations of the name include Raquel in Spanish, Raquel in Portuguese, Rachael in English, Rachelle in French, and Rachele in Italian. The name has been borne by numerous notable figures, including Rachel Carson, an American marine biologist and conservationist, and Rachel Weisz, a British actress.
Biblical figure
Rachel was a Biblical figure, the favorite of Jacob's two wives, and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, two of the twelve progenitors of the tribes of Israel. Rachel's father was Laban. Her older sister was Leah, Jacob's first wife. Her aunt Rebecca was Jacob's mother.