What does Rebecca mean and where does it come from?
Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin, spelled רִבֵּקָה (Rivkah) in Hebrew. It appears in the Bible as the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau. The name has been popular among Jewish communities and later among Christians. Since the 17th century, it has seen a resurgence in popularity, parti
Cultural significance
Rebecca has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to bind.
Peak popularity
Reached #10 in 1973 — currently #315 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rebecca?
Rebecca works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rebecca Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rebecca Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rebecca Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rebecca Claire
French influence · crisp
Rebecca Jane
Literary · strong
Rebecca Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rebecca right now?
Declining — down 19 spots — currently #315 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #315 | 984 | ▼ down 19 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #296 | 1,074 | ▲ up 8 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #304 | 1,049 | ▼ down 54 · -12% births |
| 2020 | #250 | 1,192 | ▼ down 61 · -31% births |
| 2015 | #189 | 1,721 | ▼ down 55 · -25% births |
| 2010 | #134 | 2,290 | ▼ down 53 · -43% births |
| 2005 | #81 | 4,010 | ▼ down 42 · -43% births |
| 2000 | #39 | 7,066 | ▼ down 11 · -29% births |
| 1995 | #28 | 9,906 | ▼ down 7 · -28% births |
| 1990 | #21 | 13,674 | ▲ up 4 · +8% births |
| 1985 | #25 | 12,702 | ▼ down 8 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #17 | 15,280 | ▼ down 6 · +10% births |
| 1975 | #11 | 13,926 | ▲ up 18 · +28% births |
| 1970 | #29 | 10,855 | ▲ up 12 · +6% births |
| 1965 | #41 | 10,214 | — |
The story of Rebecca
Rebecca has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #10 in 1973, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 753K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #92 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #315 in 2023. Rebecca is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Rebecca in 1973:
Rebecca by decade
Rebecca peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 2,849 | |
| 1890s | 3,660 | |
| 1900s | 4,059 | |
| 1910s | 9,496 | |
| 1920s | 12,330 | |
| 1930s | 12,680 | |
| 1940s | 45,422 | |
| 1950s | 115,889 | |
| 1960s | 99,747 | |
| 1970s ★ | 137,828 | |
| 1980s | 136,787 | |
| 1990s | 109,875 | |
| 2000s | 43,731 | |
| 2010s | 17,417 | |
| 2020s | 1,192 | |
What are good nicknames for Rebecca?
ENGLISH
BeccaBecciBeckaBeckahBeckyBekkiReba
Famous people named Rebecca
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Rebecca (historical community leader)
Rebecca led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
R(
Rebecca (historical figure)
Rebecca bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Rebecca?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rebecca also consider these
How is Rebecca written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Rebecca
What does the name Rebecca mean?
Rebecca means "to bind" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Rebecca?
Rebecca is currently ranked #315 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Rebecca?
Rebecca originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Rebecca?
Rebecca is a three-syllable name pronounced R AH0 B EH1 K AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Rebecca?
Rebecca pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.