Meaning & History
Raguhel is a Latin biblical form of Reuel, used in parts of the Latin Old Testament. The name Reuel is of Hebrew origin, meaning "friend of God", from the elements (reaʿ) meaning "friend" and (ʾel) meaning "God". In the Bible, Reuel is another name for Jethro, the Midianite priest and father-in-law of Moses.
Etymology & Historical Context
Raguhel appears in the Latin Vulgate translation of the Old Testament, where it renders the Hebrew Reuel. The variation in spelling (Raguhel vs. Reuel) reflects differences in transliteration from the original Hebrew into Latin. The name is associated with Jethro, who is described in Exodus 2:16-22 and chapter 18 as a wise and hospitable priest who advised Moses.
Cultural & Religious Significance
In Judeo-Christian-Islamic legend, the form Raguel is also attested as an angelic name. Raguhel itself is now uncommon but remains part of the broader onomastic tradition derived from biblical Reuel. The root name Jethro has experienced various historical uses, such as the agricultural innovator Jethro Tull (1674-1741).
Related Forms
Other linguistic variants include:
All of these share the underlying meaning of friendship with God.- Meaning: Friend of God
- Origin: Hebrew, via Latin Bible
- Type: Biblical variant
- Related to: Reuel, Jethro, Raguel