Rebecca is a charming and elegant name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word " Rivkah" which means to bind or tie together. This name holds significant historical importance in Judaism as it is the name of one of the four matriarchs of the Jewish faith, Rebecca being the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau.
In the Bible, Rebecca is described as a woman of exceptional beauty and intelligence. She played a pivotal role in the story of her husband Isaac and their twin sons Jacob and Esau. Rebecca was known for her kindness, wisdom and her ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and composure.
The name Rebecca has been popular throughout history and across various cultures. It was the name of several prominent figures including Queen Rebecca of Cornwall who ruled in the 15th century and Rebecca Rolfe, a Native American woman who played an important role in early American history.
In literature, Rebecca is the title character in Daphne du Maurier's novel "Rebecca". The character, often simply referred to as 'Rebecca', becomes the standard against which the protagonist Mrs. de Winter measures herself and ultimately overcomes.
Today, Rebecca remains a popular name for girls worldwide, carrying with it the legacy of its biblical namesake and its rich historical significance. It is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, grace, wisdom, and beauty, reflecting the characteristics of its historical figures and literary counterparts.
The name Rebecca has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century, as indicated by these annual birth statistics.
The earliest year listed is 1907, with only 5 births that year. The number of babies named Rebecca fluctuated throughout the early to mid-20th century, ranging from a low of 5 births in several years (1931, 1964, 1987, and 1993) to a high of 12 births in 1942.
Starting in the late 1940s, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Rebecca. In 1948, there were 17 births, followed by 26 births in 1949 and 28 births in 1950. This upward trend continued through the 1950s and early 1960s, with the highest number of Rebecca births occurring in 1967 (44 births).
However, after peaking in the late 1960s, the popularity of the name Rebecca began to decline again. From the mid-1980s onwards, the annual number of babies named Rebecca consistently fell below 50.
In recent years, the name Rebecca has seen even fewer occurrences. Between 2001 and 2009, there were never more than 9 births in any given year, with some years seeing as few as 5 or 6 births.
Overall, since these statistics began being recorded in 1907 up until 2009, there have been a total of 2315 babies named Rebecca born in the United States. While the name's popularity has ebbed and flowed over time, it remains a classic choice for parents seeking a timeless and enduring name for their daughter.