Rachels

Rachels is a surname of English-language origin, derived from the given name Rachel. It is used by families of diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and non-Jewish communities. In contemporary records, the name appears across English-speaking countries, notably the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as Canada and Israel.

The surname's most widely recognized bearer is James Rachels (1941–2003), an American philosopher who taught at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is known for his work in applied ethics and moral philosophy, including his analyses of euthanasia and his arguments on killing versus letting die. He also authored The Elements of Moral Philosophy, a widely used introductory ethics text.