Hey Folks.
I know it's been a while, but I just stumbled upon this thread and thought I'd contribute what I know. According the the internet the name Rael is of African origin and means something along the lines of "Someone who is as innocent as a lamb." Coincidence?
I don't know what kind of impact this would have on the story's meaning since it DOES deal with topics like loss of innocence and what not. Just though it would be interesting to share!
I've also read that Rael is actually meant to be called Raphael - a spiritual connotation maybe? We certainly know that Peter likes to quote the Bible. It's all just so fascinating.