Rachel Alter
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
Rachel Alter is a name that combines Hebrew origins. The first name Rachel is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. From the Hebrew Raḥel (רָחֵל), meaning "ewe." Rachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. The surname Alter: Alter is both a surname and a given name. German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): distinguishing epithet for the older of two bearers of the same personal name. For the Ashkenazim: from the Yiddish personal name Alter, an inflected form of alt (‘old’). This was in part an omen name, expressing the parents’ hope that the child would live a long life; in part an apotropaic name, given to a child born after the death of a sibling, but also said to have sometimes been assumed by someone who was seriously ill. Rachel is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 375K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Rachel reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.
Etymology & Origin
First Name: Rachel
Meaning: ewe
Hebrew
From the Hebrew Raḥel (רָחֵל), meaning "ewe." Rachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
Surname: Alter
Hebrew
Alter is both a surname and a given name. German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): distinguishing epithet for the older of two bearers of the same personal name. For the Ashkenazim: from the Yiddish personal name Alter, an inflected form of alt (‘old’). This was in part an omen name, expressing the parents’ hope that the child would live a long life; in part an apotropaic name, given to a child born after the death of a sibling, but also said to have sometimes been assumed by someone who was seriously ill.
Geographic Distribution
The first name Rachel is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:
Popularity Over Time
Popularity of the name Rachel by decade, based on birth registration data:
Notable People Named Rachel Alter
- Rachel Carson (essayist, 1907)
- Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (television actor, 1981)
- Rachel McAdams (television actor, 1978)
- Rachel Weisz (audiobook narrator, 1970)
People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.
Numerology
According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Rachel Alter:
Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.
Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.
Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.
Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the origin of the first name Rachel?
- The first name Rachel originates from Hebrew. From the Hebrew Raḥel (רָחֵל), meaning "ewe." Rachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
- When was Rachel most popular?
- The name Rachel reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
- What is the origin of the surname Alter?
- The surname Alter originates from Hebrew. Alter is both a surname and a given name. German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): distinguishing epithet for the older of two bearers of the same personal name. For the Ashkenazim: from the Yiddish personal name Alter, an inflected form of alt (‘old’). This was in part an omen name, expressing the parents’ hope that the child would live a long life; in part an apotropaic name, given to a child born after the death of a sibling, but also said to have sometimes been assumed by someone who was seriously ill.
- How common is the surname Alter?
- The surname Alter is shared by approximately 4K people worldwide.