Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Rebekah
GirlHebrew· “to tie, bind”
- Meaning
- to tie, bind
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- rih-BEHK-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #884
- US babies 2025
- 302
- Best rank
- #143 (1982)
- Peak year
- 1996
Meaning and origin of Rebekah
Rebekah is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “to tie, bind”.
Rebekah is the spelling of Rebecca used in many English Bibles, including the King James Version. In Genesis, Rebekah is the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau, a central figure in the stories of Israel's ancestors. The Hebrew original, Rivkah, is often connected to a root meaning to tie or bind, though the exact sense is debated. The name has been used steadily by families who favor biblical spellings. It feels classic and earnest, with a slightly old-fashioned charm. Becky, Becca and Bekah are the familiar nicknames, and the name suits almost any middle name.
Popularity over time
Rebekah first appears in US Social Security records in 1883. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 80 different years, starting in 1883. Its best national rank was #143 in 1982, and the most babies received it in 1996, when 2,222 were named Rebekah. In 2025, 302 babies were named Rebekah, and it ranked #884 nationally. That is 50% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,062 in 1920, #896 in 1950, #162 in 1980, #173 in 2000, #404 in 2010, and #884 in 2025. Of the 75,796 US girls named Rebekah since records began, 28% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 18,319 babies. Since 2010, 7,805 more have been named Rebekah.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Marisa, Carly, Shania, Alexus, and Deja.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rebekah ranked highest in Montana, Pennsylvania, and Idaho.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #248 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | #384 | 29 |
| Idaho | #466 | 5 |
| Michigan | #541 | 15 |
| Ohio | #556 | 19 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Rebekah is usually pronounced rih-BEHK-uh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with R and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Rebekah
A few middle names that flow with Rebekah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rebekah
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Lists that include Rebekah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rebekah mean?
Rebekah is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “to tie, bind”.
What is the origin of the name Rebekah?
Rebekah has Hebrew roots. Rebekah is the spelling of Rebecca used in many English Bibles, including the King James Version.
Is Rebekah a popular name?
Yes. Rebekah ranked #884 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Rebekah a boy or girl name?
Rebekah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Rebekah?
Rebekah is usually pronounced rih-BEHK-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings