Rahelራሄል
/RA-hel/
Rahel is a Ge'ez/Amharic girl's name pronounced /RA-hel/. The Ethiopian form of Rachel, representing an innocent ewe and a beloved biblical figure.
Meaning of Rahel
The Ethiopian form of Rachel, representing an innocent ewe and a beloved biblical figure.
Rahel is the Ge'ez and Amharic form of the Hebrew name Rachel, derived from the word 'raḥēl' meaning an ewe or female sheep. In the biblical context, she is the daughter of Laban and the favored wife of Jacob, symbolizing beauty, patience, and maternal devotion within Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.
- Origin
- Ge'ez/Amharic
- Pronunciation
- /RA-hel/
Cultural background
The name is widely popular among Christian families in Ethiopia and Eritrea, often chosen to honor the biblical matriarch. It is frequently given to girls born into the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Variations & nicknames
- Rachel
- Rahelu
- Rari
- Rachelle
- Rahy
Famous people named Rahel
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Rahel Shawl
Award-winning Ethiopian architect and founder of RAAS Architects.
Architecture · 2000s-present
Rahel Getu
Prominent Ethiopian contemporary singer and performer.
Music · 2010s-present
Rahel Varnhagen
German-Jewish writer who hosted a famous late-Enlightenment salon.
Literature · 1771–1833
Rahel Frey
Professional Swiss racing driver.
Sport · 2000s-present
Rahel Vizman
Israeli medical technology entrepreneur and CEO.
Technology · 2010s-present
Frequently asked about Rahel
- What does Rahel mean?
- Rahel means 'ewe' or 'female sheep' and signifies innocence and gentleness.
- How do you pronounce Rahel?
- It is typically pronounced 'Ra-HEEL' or 'Ra-HEL', with a soft 'h' sound.
- Is Rahel a boy or girl name?
- Rahel is strictly a female name.
- What is the origin of the name Rahel?
- It is the Ge'ez and Amharic version of the Hebrew name Rachel, found in the Old Testament.
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