Rebia is a unique and distinctive female name of Hebrew origin. It means "my joy" or "my happiness" in Hebrew. The name Rebia is not very common, but it has been used throughout history by various notable figures.
The earliest recorded instance of the name Rebia can be traced back to ancient Babylon, where it was borne by a woman who lived around 700 BCE. She was mentioned in cuneiform tablets found by archaeologists during excavations in modern-day Iraq.
In medieval times, there were several women named Rebia who played significant roles in Jewish communities across Europe. One of the most notable was Rebia Meir, a prominent scholar and teacher who lived in 13th-century France. She was known for her exceptional knowledge of Talmudic law and her ability to teach both men and women, which was quite unusual at that time.
During the Renaissance period, there were several Italian women named Rebia who made significant contributions to art, literature, and culture. One such woman was Rebia Bentivoglio, a member of the powerful noble family from Bologna who was known for her intelligence, beauty, and patronage of the arts.
In more recent times, Rebia has been used as a given name by various celebrities and public figures around the world. For example, there is American actress Reba McEntire, who is also a successful country music singer. There is also South African politician Rebiya Kadyrbekova, who served as an MP in the National Assembly from 1994 to 2009.
Overall, while not a very common name, Rebia has been carried by notable figures throughout history and has a unique and meaningful origin that makes it stand out.
The name Rebia has been a rare but consistent choice for parents in the United States over the past century. According to birth records, there have been a total of 43 babies named Rebia born in the U.S. between 1909 and 1943.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the name was given to five babies each year in 1909, 1918, 1919, 1921, and 1930. There were six babies named Rebia in 1926, which is the highest number of births for this name in any given year during this period.
There was a small peak in popularity for the name in 1934, with seven babies being born that year with the name Rebia. After this, the numbers decreased again to five babies named Rebia in 1943.
Overall, while not a commonly chosen name, Rebia has had a steady presence among newborns in the United States over the past century.