The name Raquel has its origins in the Hebrew language and is a feminine form of the biblical name Rachel, which means "ewe" or "female sheep". The name Rachel first appears in the Book of Genesis, where Rachel is the beloved wife of the patriarch Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.

Raquel is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese variations of the Hebrew name Rachel. It was commonly used in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages, particularly among Sephardic Jews and later adopted by Christians. The name gained popularity across Europe and the Americas with the spread of the Spanish and Portuguese languages.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Raquel was Raquel Fernandes, a Portuguese noblewoman who lived in the 15th century. She was a prominent figure in the court of King John II of Portugal and played a significant role in the Portuguese court.

In the 16th century, Raquel Nunes was a renowned Jewish poet and philosopher who lived in Portugal. Her work, "Dialogo do Desengano," explored philosophical and religious themes and was influential in her time.

During the 17th century, Raquel de Castro was a Spanish-Jewish writer and feminist who advocated for women's rights and education. Her work "Amor es Tratado Academico" was a significant contribution to the literary and intellectual landscape of her time.

In the 19th century, Raquel Meller was a famous Spanish singer, actress, and dancer who achieved international fame. She was born in 1888 and was renowned for her performances in various theatrical productions and films.

Another notable figure with the name Raquel was Raquel Welch, an American actress and model born in 1940. She rose to prominence in the 1960s and became an iconic sex symbol, known for her roles in films such as "One Million Years B.C." and "Fantastic Voyage".