Declining since 1995, #884 for girls today.
Popularity of Rebekah since 1883
Babies named Rebekah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 18 |
| 1890s | 55 |
| 1900s | 32 |
| 1910s | 183 |
| 1920s | 191 |
| 1930s | 222 |
| 1940s | 616 |
| 1950s | 1,822 |
| 1960s | 2,401 |
| 1970s | 9,654 |
| 1980s | 18,319 |
| 1990s | 20,927 |
| 2000s | 13,551 |
| 2010s | 5,969 |
| 2020s | 1,836 |
Meaning & origin
Rebekah is a biblical name that has maintained a steady presence in the United States since at least 1883, the year it was first recorded. It reached its peak popularity in 1996, ranking significantly higher at that time. Since 1995, however, its usage has been falling, and currently it ranks 884th (in 2025) with a frequency of 1 in 5,322 births. The name is most common in Montana, Idaho, and Pennsylvania, reflecting a regional preference that aligns with areas of strong Christian heritage. The spelling Rebekah distinguishes it from the more common Rebecca, giving it a traditional yet distinct feel. Its enduring appeal likely stems from its biblical roots and the strong character of Rebekah in Genesis, known for her hospitality and decisive action.
Rebekah is the English transliteration of the Hebrew name Rivqah (רִבְקָה), from the root r-b-q meaning 'to tie' or 'to bind', possibly alluding to a rope used to tether animals. In the Old Testament, Rebekah is the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. The name has been consistently used among English-speaking Christians since the Reformation, often in the spelling Rebecca, but Rebekah has been a persistent variant.
Where Rebekah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rebekah” around the world
Where Rebekah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Becky, Becca, Reba
Sibling names for Rebekah
Names that share Rebekah's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Rebekah
Names whose popularity has moved with Rebekah's over the last 50 years.
