Rebecca is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. It comes from the Hebrew word "Rivkah," which means "to bind together" or "to tie." The name Rebecca has a long and rich history, appearing several times in the Bible.
In the Old Testament, Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau. She played a significant role in the story of her sons' birth, as she favored Jacob over Esau and helped him obtain his brother's blessing by deceiving their father. This biblical character is often associated with intelligence, resourcefulness, and determination.
The name Rebecca gained popularity during the Middle Ages, when it was used by several prominent figures in Europe. In England, for example, Rebecca was a popular choice among royalty, appearing in the names of several princesses and queens throughout history. The name also became popular in other parts of Europe, such as France and Germany.
Today, Rebecca remains a widely-used name around the world. It is often spelled with one "c" instead of two, although both versions are considered correct. In some cultures, the name may have additional meanings or associations beyond its original Hebrew significance. For instance, in Wales, Rebecca is sometimes associated with the legend of Saint Rebecca, a young woman who was martyred for her faith.
Overall, the name Rebecca has a strong and distinguished heritage, with roots that can be traced back thousands of years to ancient biblical times. Its meaning, which suggests unity or connection, adds to its appeal as a beautiful and meaningful name choice for girls.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Rebecca has been consistently used for newborn girls in the United States over several decades, with a total of 101 babies named Rebecca born between 1919 and 1997.
The usage of the name Rebecca appears to have had two peaks during this period. The first peak occurred between 1954 and 1969, with an average of 5 births per year during this timeframe. This suggests that the name Rebecca was quite popular among parents during these years.
The second peak in the usage of the name Rebecca took place between 1972 and 1997, with an average of 5 to 7 births per year. This indicates that the name continued to be a favorite among parents even after the first peak in popularity had passed.
Overall, these statistics show that the name Rebecca has been a popular choice for newborn girls in the United States over several decades, with consistent usage throughout the period from 1919 to 1997.