Rebecca: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Rebecca is a female name of Hebrew origin, meaning "to bind" or "to tie." It carries strong biblical associations and has remained a classic choice for centuries, valued for its timeless elegance and spiritual depth.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Meaning | To bind, to tie; possibly "captivating" |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | reh-BEK-uh |
Etymology of Rebecca
Rebecca derives from the Hebrew name רִבְקָה (Rivqah), traditionally interpreted as meaning "to bind" or "to tie," from the root רבק (r-b-q). Some scholars suggest an alternative meaning of "captivating" or "ensnarer," though this interpretation is less widely accepted.
The name entered English through the Latin form Rebecca, used in the Vulgate translation of the Bible. The Greek Septuagint rendered it as Ρεβεκκα (Rhebekka), which influenced later European variants.
The original Hebrew form may relate to binding or joining, possibly reflecting qualities of connection and loyalty. The name's biblical prominence ensured its preservation across languages and centuries, maintaining remarkably consistent pronunciation despite geographic spread.
History of Rebecca
Origins and Early Use
Rebecca first appears in the Hebrew Bible as the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. This matriarchal role in the founding narrative of Israel gave the name deep religious significance in Jewish tradition. Early use was largely confined to Jewish communities, where it served as a traditional naming choice honoring the biblical figure.
Rise to Popularity
The name gained broader adoption in Christian communities during the Protestant Reformation, when vernacular Bible reading encouraged the use of biblical names. Puritan settlers brought Rebecca to colonial America, where it became a standard choice among religious families.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 16th-17th century | Protestant Reformation | Spread beyond Jewish communities to Protestant families |
| 1938 | Daphne du Maurier's novel "Rebecca" | Enhanced literary and romantic associations |
| 1970s | Peak US popularity | Reached #10, part of biblical name revival |
| 1990s-2000s | Gradual decline | Fell from top 50 as naming trends shifted to modern coinages |
Modern Usage
Rebecca peaked in US popularity in 1973 at #10, reflecting a broader trend toward classic biblical names during that era. Since the 1990s, it has gradually declined but remains in use, valued by parents seeking traditional names with spiritual resonance. The name maintains steady usage rather than experiencing dramatic swings, suggesting enduring appeal among those who prioritize timeless over trendy.
Key insight: This name rose because of biblical reverence and literary associations, and declined as modern parents increasingly favored invented names and non-traditional spellings over classical forms.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Rebecca when they want to convey tradition, faith, and intellectual sophistication, especially in contexts involving religious identity, family continuity, and cultural heritage.
Variants of Rebecca
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Rebecca, Rebekah | Rebekah closer to Hebrew spelling |
| Hebrew | Rivkah, Rivqah | Original form |
| Spanish | Rebeca | Single 'c' |
| French | Rébecca | Accent on first 'e' |
| German | Rebekka | Double 'k' |
| Italian | Rebecca | Same as English |
| Russian | Ревекка (Revekka) | Cyrillic rendering |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Common nicknames include:
- Becky (most traditional)
- Becca (modern, casual)
- Reba
- Riva (closer to Hebrew root)
Similar Names
- Rachel - Fellow biblical matriarch name, similar era of popularity
- Rachael - Variant spelling of Rachel
- Rebekah - Alternative spelling, closer to Hebrew
- Rivka - Modern return to Hebrew form
Rebecca Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #126 | 503 |
| 1920s | #175 | 1,269 |
| 1940s | #96 | 2,555 |
| 1960s | #38 | 9,970 |
| 1980s | #17 | 15,280 |
| 2000s | #39 | 7,078 |
| 2020s | #249 | 1,211 |
| 2024s | #342 | 910 |
Peak: 1973, ranked #10 (14,869 births)
Current (2024): #342 (910 births)
Trend analysis: Rebecca's peak in the 1970s coincided with a broader biblical name revival. Its gradual decline reflects shifting preferences toward modern names and alternative spellings (like Rebekah), though it remains a steady classic choice.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Rebecca as a Username
Availability
"rebecca" as a username is almost always taken on major platforms due to decades of high popularity. Users typically must resort to variations with numbers, underscores, or additional words.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | rebecca | Professional (rarely available) |
| Nickname | becca, becky | Social media, more availability |
| With numbers | rebecca99, rebecca2000 | Gaming, casual platforms |
| Initial + name | rebeccam, rjones | Professional email |
| Stylized | xrebeccax, rebeccalee | Creative platforms |
Digital Impression
Rebecca as an ID tends to project:
- Classic professionalism - because it's a traditional, well-known name without trendy spelling
- Approachability - because of familiar nickname options (Becca, Becky)
- Cultural literacy - because biblical and literary associations suggest education
Best for: Professional contexts, platforms requiring real-name identity, or when seeking to convey reliability and tradition.
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want immediate availability without variations.
Is Rebecca good for a username?
Rebecca works well as a username if you value tradition and professionalism. However, due to its high historical popularity, you will almost certainly need variations like "rebeccaM" or "becca2024" to secure availability on established platforms.
FAQ
What does Rebecca mean?
Rebecca means "to bind" or "to tie" from Hebrew רִבְקָה (Rivqah). Some sources suggest "captivating," though this is less widely accepted.
Is Rebecca popular?
According to SSA data, Rebecca ranks #342 in the US (2024). It peaked in 1973 at #10 and has been gradually declining since the 1990s but remains in steady use.
What are nicknames for Rebecca?
Common nicknames: Becky, Becca, Reba, Riva.
Is Rebecca a boy's or girl's name?
Rebecca is traditionally and exclusively a female name, used consistently for girls across all cultures and time periods.
How do you pronounce Rebecca?
Rebecca is pronounced reh-BEK-uh in English. The stress falls on the second syllable. Hebrew pronunciation emphasizes the first syllable: riv-KAH.
Is Rebecca good for a username?
Rebecca works well as a username if you value tradition and professionalism, though availability typically requires variations due to the name's widespread use.
Related Names
- Rachel - Fellow biblical matriarch name with similar popularity pattern
- Sarah - Another classic biblical name, shares traditional appeal
- Becca - Shorter form, often preferred for digital IDs due to availability
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026