Find out how popular the first name Rakel has been for the last 41 years (from 1979 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rakel by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Rakel is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Rakel.

The history of the first name Rakel

The name Rakel is believed to have its origins in the Hebrew language, derived from the biblical name Rachel, which means "ewe" or "female sheep." This name has been in use for thousands of years, with references dating back to the Old Testament of the Bible.

In the book of Genesis, Rachel is described as the beautiful and favored wife of Jacob, one of the patriarchs of the Israelites. She was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, and her struggles with infertility and rivalry with her sister Leah are recounted in the biblical narrative.

The name Rakel is a variant spelling that emerged in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden and Norway, where it gained popularity during the Middle Ages. It is thought to have been influenced by the Germanic root "rad," meaning "counsel" or "advice," lending the name an additional layer of meaning beyond its Hebrew origins.

One of the earliest documented uses of the name Rakel can be found in the 13th-century Icelandic Sagas, where it appears as the name of a female character. In these ancient Norse tales, Rakel is depicted as a strong-willed and influential woman, reflecting the cultural values of the time.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Rakel. One of the most famous was Rakel Chudnoff (1885-1961), a Swedish actress and singer who gained popularity in the early 20th century. She was renowned for her performances in operettas and musicals, and her legacy continues to inspire modern Swedish performers.

Another notable figure was Rakel Wärngren (1881-1958), a Swedish women's rights activist and politician. She played a pivotal role in the struggle for women's suffrage in Sweden and served as a member of the Swedish Parliament from 1922 to 1940.

In the literary world, Rakel Simonstein (1888-1961) was a Norwegian author and poet who gained recognition for her works exploring themes of love, nature, and the human condition. Her poetry collections, such as "Vinterstjerner" (Winter Stars) and "Høstløv" (Autumn Leaves), remain celebrated works of Norwegian literature.

Rakel Eriksdotter (1615-1677) was a Swedish woman who gained notoriety as one of the last individuals to be executed for witchcraft in Sweden. Her trial and subsequent execution shed light on the persecution of women during the witch trials and the societal prejudices of the time.

In the realm of sports, Rakel Weckhuysen (1898-1984) was a Belgian athlete who competed in the women's singles tennis event at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. She was a pioneering figure in women's tennis and helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Rakel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rakel, please contact us.

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