Rebecca

To bind, to tie — a girl name of Hebrew origin

GenderGirl
OriginHebrew
MeaningTo bind, to tie
Pronunciationreh-BEK-uh

Popularity of Rebecca in the United States

#350Rank in 2025
872Births in 2025
#10 in 1973Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Rebecca

Rebecca comes from the Hebrew name Rivkah, whose meaning is debated but most commonly interpreted as "to bind" or "to tie," possibly referring to a snare or a connection. In the Bible, Rebecca (Rebekah) was the wife of Isaac and mother of the twins Jacob and Esau, known for her beauty, hospitality, and decisive character. The name was hugely popular among Puritans in the 17th century and experienced a strong revival in the 1970s and 1980s in the United States. Daphne du Maurier's 1938 novel Rebecca further enhanced the name's literary prestige.

Rebecca Around the World

Rebecca is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 9+ international variants.

Languages
ItalianDutch
Details

TypeFemale given name

International Variants
Rivkah
RebekkaDutch
RebekaPolish
RebecaSpanish
Rivka
Rifka
Rébecca
Rebekah
Rebecka

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Rebecca

BeccaBeckyBex

Famous People Named Rebecca

  • Rebecca Ferguson — Swedish-British actress
  • Rebecca Hall — British-American actress
  • Rebecca Solnit — American writer and activist

Similar Names to Rebecca

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Sibling Name Ideas for Rebecca

Looking for names that pair well with Rebecca? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Rebecca mean?

Rebecca is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "To bind, to tie." Rebecca comes from the Hebrew name Rivkah, whose meaning is debated but most commonly interpreted as "to bind" or "to tie," possibly referring to a snare or a connection. In the Bible, Rebecca (Rebekah) was the wife of Isaac and mother of the twins Jacob and Esau, known for her beauty, hospitality, and decisive character.

How do you pronounce Rebecca?

Rebecca is pronounced reh-BEK-uh. Common variations include Rebekah, Rebeca, Rebecka.

Is Rebecca a girl name?

Yes, Rebecca is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Becca, Becky, Bex.

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