Rebecca, often spelled Rebecca, is an attractive feminine given name of Hebrew origin that has been widely used across various cultures. Derived from the Hebrew name Rivkah, which means "to bind" or "to tie," it signifies union and connection.
In the Bible, Rebecca appears as the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau. This association has contributed to her name's enduring popularity among people of Jewish faith and beyond. Throughout history, notable figures have carried this name, including Rebecca Rolfe, an English poet from the 17th century, and Rebecca Grist, a renowned American quilt maker from the 19th century.
In terms of usage, Rebecca has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for females in the United States since record-keeping began in 1880. It peaked in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s but remains a well-loved choice today.
In pop culture, Rebecca has been portrayed by various actresses, such as Winona Ryder in the 1994 film "Little Women" and Anna Kendrick in the 2016 musical comedy-drama "Pitch Perfect." Additionally, the name inspired Charlotte Brontë's classic novel "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm."
Rebecca is also used as a surname, often stemming from patronymic or locational origins. Notable bearers include Rebecca West, an influential British journalist and author, and Rebecca Romijn, an American actress known for her roles in films like "X-Men" and "Ugly Betty.
The name Rebeccah experienced significant popularity between the late 1960s and early 1980s, with a peak of 37 to 45 births per year from 1980 to 1990. However, it began declining thereafter, with fewer than 20 births per year since 1995. Between 2006 and 2017, there were only five years with more than one birth recorded for the name Rebeccah.