Reba is a unique and uncommon feminine given name of Hebrew origin. The name Reba means "fourth" in Hebrew, and it is believed to have been used as a name for girls born as the fourth child in their family. This practice was common among certain Jewish communities, where children were often named after their ordinal position in the family.
The use of the name Reba can be traced back to ancient times, with some sources suggesting that it was already in use during biblical times. However, there is no definitive evidence of its usage until the Middle Ages, when it began to appear more frequently in Jewish communities across Europe and North Africa.
Despite its Hebrew origins, Reba has also been used as a given name by non-Jewish families, particularly in the United States. Today, Reba remains a rare name, but it continues to be used occasionally, especially among families with Jewish roots or those who are drawn to its unique sound and meaning.
In popular culture, the most notable figure associated with the name Reba is country music singer Reba McEntire, born as Reba Nell McEntire in 1955. Although her first name is often simply pronounced as "Ree-buh," it is still written as Reba, which has helped to keep the name in the public eye despite its rarity.
In summary, Reba is a distinctive feminine given name with Hebrew origins and the meaning of "fourth." While not widely used today, this unique name has a rich history dating back centuries and continues to be chosen by families drawn to its sound and significance.
The name Reba has seen a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States, as evidenced by the birth statistics from 1913 to 1939. During this period, there were a total of 60 babies named Reba born in the U.S., with the peak years being 1924 and 1926 when 7 and 8 babies respectively were given this name. The years 1930 and 1932 also had a relatively high number of newborns named Reba, with 6 births each. However, it's important to note that the popularity of the name has varied significantly throughout these years, suggesting that its appeal may have been influenced by cultural trends or personal preferences of parents during different eras. Despite the fluctuations, the data indicates that the name Reba has had some level of enduring presence in American naming culture over this period.