Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Rebekah is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'to bind or to tie'. The name evolved from Rivkah in Hebrew to Rebeccah in Latin, and eventually to Rebekah in English. It is associated with biblical relevance through its connection to a key figure in the Old Testament. Rebekah is viewed as a traditional name with strong traits, and it has maintained its popularity over the centuries.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/rɪˈbɛkə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Rebekah comes from the Hebrew name רִבְקָה (Rivkah), which is believed to derive from the root meaning 'to tie' or 'to bind'.
Meaning
to bind, to tie
Language Evolution
Rivkah (Hebrew), Rebeccah (Latinized form), Rebekah (English)
Biblical Background
Rebekah is a significant figure in the Bible, known as the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau.
Historical Usage
Rebekah gained popularity in the English-speaking world following the Protestant Reformation and has remained a classic name throughout history.
Variants & Derivatives
Rebecca, Becky, Reba
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Rebekah is perceived as a timeless name that carries a sense of tradition and strength.
Famous People
Rebekah Brooks - British journalist and former CEO of News International, Rebekah Harkness - American socialite and philanthropist
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,222 peak births in 1996
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (19 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 19 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6498th of 10718 | 34 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6911th of 16616 | 80 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1802nd of 9107 | 378 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1429th of 9204 | 531 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 766th of 12526 | 3,160 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 316th of 19264 | 12,782 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 151st of 27321 | 31,362 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 233rd of 35406 | 21,930 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 666th of 30306 | 5,266 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
93.32% 2208th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
74.45% 1151st/1546 |
- |
61.28% 1442nd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
30.62% 682nd/2227 |
39.55% 961st/2430 |
24.85% 709th/2853 |
29.15% 809th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
10.21% 300th/2937 |
11.34% 395th/3483 |
8.41% 296th/3518 |
7.32% 296th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.21% 155th/3685 |
4.47% 200th/4475 |
2.45% 127th/5194 |
2.71% 171st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
5.02% 230th/4582 |
5.81% 300th/5164 |
2.72% 199th/7313 |
3.66% 273rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
15.86% 632nd/3984 |
16.07% 721st/4487 |
9.21% 628th/6822 |
11.93% 749th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Alaska across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for female in South, falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6498th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6911th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1802nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1429th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 766th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 316th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 151st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 233rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 666th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.