Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Rachel.
National Rank (2025)
#250
All-Time Peak Rank
#9 (1996)
Total U.S. Births
573,957
Unisex Distribution0.3% Boy / 99.7% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Female
💡 The Rachel Vibe: This choice is considered a Declining Classic. A previously dominant name currently experiencing a prolonged generational cooling period.
📖 The Story Behind Rachel
According to SSA data, Rachel achieved its highest historical rank of #9 in 1996. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1985 with 16,360 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 36.9%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Rachel scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Stable
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-36.9% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record16,360Births in 1985
Years in Top 100
43yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityModerately Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:2,128
1890s:3,279
1900s:3,974
1910s:10,482
1920s:14,199
1930s:12,268
1940s:13,409
1950s:16,775
1960s:26,795
1970s:77,749
1980s:146,675
1990s:149,167
2000s:68,401
2010s:21,076
2020s:7,580
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesRac-hel
Letter Count6 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 25.7% of SSA names. Starts with R, a letter used by only 4.7% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Rachel? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics