Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin that has been popular among Christians and Jews alike for centuries. It means "to bind" or "to unite," reflecting the biblical figure of Rebecca, who was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau in the Book of Genesis.
The name first appeared in England in the 13th century but gained widespread popularity during the Victorian era when it became fashionable to choose Old Testament names for children. Today, Rebecca remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet timeless name for their daughters.
Throughout history, notable figures have borne the name Rebecca, including Rebecca Gratz (1791-1880), an American philanthropist who founded the first women's organization in the United States, and Rebecca West (1892-1983), a British author known for her novels and political writings. These notable women have contributed to the enduring appeal of this beautiful name.
In literature, Rebecca is perhaps best known as the title character in Daphne du Maurier's gothic novel "Rebecca," which was adapted into an acclaimed film directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1940. The story follows a young woman who becomes the second wife of a wealthy widower but struggles to overcome the memory of his first wife, Rebecca.
Overall, Rebecca is a name with deep historical roots and a rich literary heritage that continues to captivate parents today seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their daughters. Its meaningful meaning adds an additional layer of significance to this enduringly popular choice.
Statistics on the given name Rebecca reveal some interesting trends over time in the United States. Between 1975 and 1989, there were a total of 27 births where the child was named Rebecca.
Looking at the year-to-year data, we can see that the number of births with the name Rebecca fluctuated somewhat during this period. In three out of the five years recorded (1975, 1979, and 1983), there were exactly five births each year where the child was named Rebecca.
However, in two of those years, the number of births with the name Rebecca increased slightly. In 1985, there were six births where the child was given the name Rebecca, a jump from the previous years' totals of five births each. This increase was maintained in 1989, with another six births recorded for the name Rebecca.
This data suggests that while the popularity of the name Rebecca remained relatively stable during this period, there were brief periods where it gained some traction and became slightly more popular than usual. Overall, though, the total number of births with the name Rebecca was consistent throughout these years in the United States.