As it turns out, all my favorite names are bizarre and don’t wear well in real life (certainly not on a resume). I adore [name_f]Rachael[/name_f] (in honor of a loved one) but worry that it’s just too boring and old-fashioned to work as a first name. I’m not religious and dislike its biblical affiliations, plus “ewe” isn’t a very special meaning. More concerning is the number of people I’ve met with this name…but it seems to be fairly uncommon for newborns now. I really like the sound of it and I’m fond of [name_f]Raya[/name_f] and [name_f]Ro[/name_f] a nicknames. I would definitely use a beloved “bizarre” name as a middle name. Thoughts?
I think it’s great, but then again I like boring names 
I like the spelling with an A. Maybe it was the spelling but it took me a minute to remember why you mentioned it’s biblical.
Ive actually always liked [name_f]Rachael[/name_f]! (though I definitely prefer the [name_f]Rachel[/name_f] spelling). [name_m]Even[/name_m] though I knew a few in school, I’ve never felt burnt out of the name. I think [name_f]Ro[/name_f] or [name_f]Raya[/name_f] as a nn makes the name feel a bit fresher too!
I don’t think its boring at all.
Such a classy, timeless name.
I do find it a bit boring. Sorry. I knew quite a few growing up so it’s never been a name that struck me in any way. It also doesn’t sound like you’re that fond of it either since your post is mostly things you don’t like about it.
What about just [name_f]Raya[/name_f]? I know a girl named [name_f]Raya[/name_f] (although she says it RY-uh and I’d guess you were going for RAY-uh) and it works perfectly as a full name. I don’t know how [name_f]Rachael[/name_f] honors your loved one but if their name is [name_f]Rachael[/name_f], I think it would honor them. Plus, I’ve found several meanings for [name_f]Raya[/name_f] and they all beat out “ewe”, in my opinion (“hero”, “beloved”, “queen”, “orchid”, and “thought”, being the ones I found from several origins). It’s not Biblical to my knowledge and it’s not common either.
I don’t think it’s boring on a little child today, as you said it’s not popular anymore. Although sounds like it’s not the one for you?
would you be willing to share some of your other favourite names so to see how there could be a compromise (as it doesn’t sound like you’re too in love with [name_f]Rachael[/name_f]) maybe if you use it in the middle name spot to still have that honour but use a name you just love more for the first, and then the familiarity of [name_f]Rachael[/name_f] would balance out the unexpected first name
My sister is [name_f]Rachel[/name_f] and I think it’s pretty and not at all boring. I know there was another in her class and I actually had one as a student a few years ago who said she was named after the character in Friends. So, it’s fairly uncommon where I’m from.
I personally love the name [name_f]Rachael[/name_f] (I prefer it spelled [name_f]Rachel[/name_f]). It’s a classic that ages well and translates well on resumes, etc. [name_f]Imo[/name_f] it does not have to be tied to its Biblical roots especially if it’s an honor name for you. I agree with the others, maybe [name_f]Rachael[/name_f] would fit better as a mn or there could be a variation (like [name_f]Raya[/name_f]) that you could use as a fn.
I am a [name_f]Rachel[/name_f] and I’ve never thought it was a boring name to have. [name_f]My[/name_f] family is also not religious, but as a kid I liked telling people it meant “little ewe”. I work with kids and haven’t met many (if any) kids named [name_f]Rachel[/name_f] or any variation of it in the last 6 years. It was definitely more popular in the 80’s/90’s.
I went by [name_u]Rae[/name_u] growing up, so that could be another alternative option too 
Thanks, all! I agree that nicknames have the ability to make the name “fresher.” [name_f]My[/name_f] ex is named [name_u]Ray[/name_u] so [name_u]Rae[/name_u] is out. I like [name_u]Rye[/name_u]-uh (maybe I’d spell it [name_f]Raia[/name_f] instead of [name_f]Raya[/name_f]?) and [name_f]Ro[/name_f]. [name_f]Rachael[/name_f] is awfully special to me because it’s the name of my best friend who passed (if I use it, I’ll want to use her spelling). [name_f]My[/name_f] DH likes plainer, more classic names so this seems to be the only one we agree on. I like more exotic names like Bridgida, Kassandriel, [name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f], etc. but I can’t imagine spelling that out all the time, OR the poor thing trying to land a job with that bizarre sort of name. That’s why I suspect my favorites will be relegated to middle name status. Growing up, I resented anyone ever having the same name as me so I hope I don’t inadvertently put future daughter in the same boat. Maybe having a unique middle name will help : )