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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

What do we think of the name Rachel?

83 replies

Cluttergump · 28/08/2009 21:16

I really really like this name for a little girl but worry that it is too common, as in popular.....what do you think?

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MrsBarbaraKingstanding · 29/08/2009 12:29

Emma and sarah are lovely names and rachel is in the same classic group as them.
(c
Not Michelle though, that would be in a grouping with Tracey, Joanne and Karen, which are too obviously 70's names (but which will no doubt have their time again.

MaggieLeo · 29/08/2009 12:25

I agree Fimbo. Anna, Rachel, Kate, Beth ..... those names don't date, so they'll never be embarrassing names. They won't be the ones hating their names in 50 years time.

piscesmoon · 29/08/2009 09:29

I love Emma and Sarah, which were popular in 70's, but are classics. Michelle was just a 70's popular name.There will always be Rachels, Emmas,Rebeccas but Michelle, Ruby, Pearl etc will date you.

MrsMattie · 29/08/2009 09:20

I like the name in itself, but it is an Emma / Sarah / Michelle name for me, being born in the late 70s. There were dozens at school.

weegiemum · 29/08/2009 09:17

I just spoke to my 5yo Rachel, who says it is the best name in the world!

Spirael · 29/08/2009 09:15

I've never had any major issues with being called Rachel. The main thing is that people will insist on spelling it Rachael about 50% of the time!

I get the following abbreviations:
Rae
Rach
Rachie
Rae-Rae

I'm usually called Rae, which I prefer. Occasionally gets spelt Ray however. Not too keen on Rach or Rachie, but they're not intolerable.

As a child I never had any problems with kids using anything about my first name to torment me. My surname and appearance were bigger targets!

The meaning of Rachel is Ewe, which also makes for some comedy moments trying to explain that to someone.

Hope that helps!

Baa...

weegiemum · 29/08/2009 09:15

Mums of Rachels unite!

Its a great name!

belgo · 29/08/2009 09:12

Not a pretty name.

Much prefer Ruth or Rebecca.

piscesmoon · 29/08/2009 09:07

I have never known what is wrong with boring! I love boring (classic)names and am very grateful that I have one myself.

random · 29/08/2009 00:04

I like it a lot

Mumcentreplus · 29/08/2009 00:01

Whats wrong with Rae and Bethany?..love them both...Rachel very strong classic beautiful name..

Fimbo · 28/08/2009 23:59

Lol Bradsmissus!

I wanted a sensible name that would age gracefully with her. (my own name on the other hand...)

bradsmissus · 28/08/2009 23:56

What fimbo said. I have a Rachel. She is known as Roo by family and her close friends. Has been ever since she was tiny. Come to think of it, the only people who call her Rach are young teachers and my DS who is 4.

I have never admitted this to anyone before (except DH of course) but the name came to me when I was in Wimpy when I was PG with said Rachel. The waitress was called rachel, she was very young but oh so friendly and I was set on the name from then on! I'm not sure I'll ever be able to tell DD she is named aftre a waitress in the Wimpy!

jemart · 28/08/2009 23:48

Bit boring really.

MissGreatBritain · 28/08/2009 23:47

I love the name Rachel, and Ruth as well (DD's middle name). there are very few children at the moment being given these names - the old classic favourites (Lucy, Kate etc) are still popular, but I don't know ANY Rachels at all. It's a lovely name, and don't let anyone tell you different........

Fimbo · 28/08/2009 23:46

Oh and she gets called Rachie, never Rach or worse Rae.

Fimbo · 28/08/2009 23:44

For those dissing my daughter's name - p off .

It is a fab name and the only girl's name I ever liked. The best spelling is Rachel.

My dd is Rachel Helen after my mum.

Tinfoil · 28/08/2009 23:38

It's nice.

puddinghead · 28/08/2009 22:54

Like this name, feels sort of - calm. On a par with Rebecca and Nicola. I prefer the spelling Rachael though...

dogofpoints · 28/08/2009 22:26

I like it. Good and strong

Original poster
Cluttergump · 28/08/2009 22:22

i feel much more positive about Rachel now so that is really good....it IS lovely...and can be suitably jazzed up....

OP posts:
MrsBarbaraKingstanding · 28/08/2009 22:14

Rachel is a good name.

they are always pretty.

Like Rebeccas.

I love Elizabeth though, this was on our girl list, but just wary of the Liz shortening.

MaggieLeo · 28/08/2009 22:12

Rachel Verity is better!

janeite · 28/08/2009 22:12

Don't like Bethany.

Rachel verity is v nice.

Rachel Elizabeth is lovely.

Rachel Yvette
Rachel Yolande
Rachel Ariadne

PDR · 28/08/2009 22:11

Primrose & Verity are both lovely...

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