Rebeca

Meaning & origin

Rebeca, the Spanish and Portuguese variant of Rebecca, has a steady presence in the United States, particularly among Hispanic families. First recorded in 1888, the name saw a notable rise in the 2000s, reaching its peak rank of 1,339 in 2003. Since then, its use has gradually declined, with a 2025 rank of 1,339 and an incidence of roughly 1 in 9,682 newborns. The name is most common in states with large Hispanic populations, such as Utah, Texas, and Massachusetts. Its biblical roots give it a classic quality, while the Spanish form offers a distinct cultural flavor that appeals to modern parents seeking a familiar yet distinctive choice.

Rebeca is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Rebecca, which derives from the Hebrew name Rivkah (רִבְקָה). Its meaning is debated, often given as 'to bind' or 'to tie,' possibly from the root rabak. In the Bible, Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. The name has been used in the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds for centuries, gaining broader popularity in the United States through Hispanic communities.