The name Rebecca is of Hebrew origin and means "to bind" or "to join together". It is derived from the biblical figure of the same name, who was the wife of Isaac in the Old Testament. According to the story, Rebecca was chosen by God as a suitable bride for Isaac, and she showed great faith and obedience throughout her life.
The name Rebecca has been popular throughout history, appearing in various cultures and languages around the world. In English-speaking countries, it became particularly common during the Victorian era in the 19th century. Today, it continues to be a popular choice among parents for their daughters.
Rebecca is also known by several different variations and diminutives, including Becky, Becka, Rebekah, and Rebeca. These versions of the name have their own unique charm and meaning, but they all share the same Hebrew root as the original form.
Overall, Rebecca is a classic and timeless name that has stood the test of time. With its strong biblical roots and positive connotations, it remains a popular choice among parents looking for a meaningful and beautiful name for their daughter.
The given statistics track the annual number of births with the name Rebecca in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, there have been significant fluctuations and trends in the popularity of this name.
In the late 19th century, around 200-400 babies were named Rebecca each year. However, starting from the early 20th century, we see a steady increase in the number of newborn girls being given this name. By the 1930s and 1940s, over 1000 babies were named Rebecca annually.
The peak popularity for the name Rebecca occurred during the post-World War II baby boom era. Between 1946 and 1952, there were over 7000 births each year with this name. In fact, in 1952 alone, there were a total of 12,226 babies named Rebecca, marking the highest point for this name's popularity during this time frame.
However, after reaching its peak in the mid-20th century, the number of babies named Rebecca began to decline steadily. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, around 13,000-15,000 newborn girls were given this name annually.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Rebecca has continued to decrease. From the year 2000 onwards, fewer than 5000 babies have been named Rebecca each year. The most recent data shows that in 2022, there were only 977 newborn girls named Rebecca in the United States.
Overall, while Rebecca was once a popular name, particularly during the mid-20th century baby boom, its popularity has waned in recent decades. Despite this decline, it remains one of the most classic and well-known names, with a rich history and many notable bearers throughout American history.