rachel

rachel · noun¹

From Rachel, the stage name adopted by Elisabeth Félix (?1820–58), Swiss-born French actress, with reference to her skin tone. Compare raschel.

Rachel · proper noun, noun²

1. Biblical Hebrew · derived fromרָחֵל“ewe”
2. Ancient Greek · derived fromῬαχήλ
3. Late Latin · borrowed fromRāchēl
4. English todayRachel

Borrowed from Late Latin Rāchēl, from Ancient Greek Ῥαχήλ (Rhakhḗl), from Biblical Hebrew רָחֵל (rāḫēl, “ewe”). Doublet of Raquel.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• from 19th c. A light tan colour, chiefly with reference to cosmetic powder.