Rebecca
Girl Name Hebrew origin
Origin
Hebrew
Syllables
3
First Letter
R
Popularity
68/100

Meaning of Rebecca

To bind, captivating, snarer

Origin: Hebrew

About the Name Rebecca

Three syllables give Rebecca a lyrical, unhurried quality - it is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, with roots in the ancient texts of the Old Testament and the rich tradition of biblical names that have crossed religious and cultural boundaries to become truly international, meaning "To bind", and a recognised and trusted girl name internationally - known across communities but never so common that it loses its individual character. "To bind" in Hebrew carries a weight that the English translation can only approximate. These ancient names were carried by prophets, matriarchs, and kings - they have been in continuous use for over 3,000 years, a longevity that few naming traditions can match.

The practical question of how Rebecca flows with the family surname is worth considering. The name is universally familiar across communities worldwide, easy to spell and pronounce, and carries natural authority in both formal and informal settings. Rebecca strikes the balance many parents seek: meaningful and grounded, without being one of dozens in a classroom.

Sound & Flow

Rebecca is a 3-syllable name. Test it with your family surname to hear how it flows. For example: Rebecca Tan, Rebecca Lee, or Rebecca Ng.

Pronunciation varies by community.

Cultural Context

Biblical in origin and widely used across Christian communities, often alongside a given name in a second language.

Name Style & Tags

Popularity Through History

See all-time rankings →

Rank in California top 25 (1 = most popular). Bars represent years the name charted - Hover for rank.

1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
#20
1971
#18
1972
#13
1973
#14
1974
#16
1975
#16
1976
#19
1977
#17
1978
#18
1979
#17
1980
#15
1981
#19
1982
#21
1983
#25
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
#24
1989
#21
1990
#24
1991
#24
1992
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1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
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2001
2002
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Bar height = popularity rank (taller = higher rank) Hover for exact rank by year

Name Facts & Trivia

Name length
7 letters
Longer name - Often carries a natural nickname.
Syllable pattern
3 syllables
Multi-syllable names often have beautiful melodic flow.
First letter
R
Browse more names starting with R
Gender
Girl
A traditionally girl name across most cultures.

Famous People Named Rebecca

Prominent figures who share this name - Drawn from global culture, sports, and public life.

Names of Hebrew origin have centuries of history in literature, religion, and public life. Many are shared by prominent leaders, scholars, and artists worldwide.

Want to discover names with similar fame? Try our name generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

To bind, captivating, snarer Its Hebrew roots give it a timeless quality that resonates across generations.
Rebecca has a popularity score of 68/100. It sits comfortably in the mid-range — recognisable without being ubiquitous.
Rebecca is traditionally a girl name with Hebrew origins. It has been used consistently for girls across different cultures and generations.
Test the name across all languages your family speaks to ensure it sounds natural. If you come from a multilingual household, say it in each language you use at home before deciding.
The best middle names for Rebecca depend on your surname and cultural background. A shorter one-syllable middle name balances Rebecca nicely. Use our name generator to explore combinations.
Natural nicknames for Rebecca often emerge from how family members start using it. At 3 syllables, there are natural places to shorten it. Try different variations until one feels right for your family.

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