Meaning & History
Etymology and Background
Rhachel is a form of Rachel used in the Greek Bible. The name Rachel itself derives from the Hebrew רָחֵל (Raḥel), meaning "ewe". In the Old Testament, Rachel is the beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. The Greek transliteration Rhachel appears in Septuagint manuscripts and later Greek biblical texts.
Usage and History
Rhachel is predominantly attested in Greek-speaking Jewish and Christian communities, particularly in contexts where the Greek Bible (Septuagint) was used. While the standard Greek form is generally Rakhēl (Μαλαχίας), the spelling Rhachel with an ch reflects a common Greek transliteration of the Hebrew ḥet. This form never saw widespread use as a given name, unlike its counterparts in other languages.
Related names include Rahel (German), Rahil (Arabic), Rəhilə (Azerbaijani), Rahela (Serbian), and Rakel (Swedish). In contrast with Rachel, which has been popular in English-speaking countries since the Protestant Reformation, Rhachel has remained a rare name, primarily of historical and Biblical interest.
- Meaning: "Ewe"
- Origin: Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Rachel
- Usage: Historical, mainly in Greek Bible contexts
- Gender: Feminine