"to bind, captivating"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Reba
Pronunciation: [ r-EEB-uh ]
Does Reba flow with your last name?
A name with deep biblical roots and country soul
American
English
Hebrew
Vintage
Earthy
Bold
Southern
Classic
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"snare, one who captivates (metaphorical)"
Origin: Hebrew Rivqah
Language: Hebrew
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with country music superstar Reba McEntire — a major positive for fans, a potential limitation for those wanting a blank-slate name
The Story of Reba
Reba is a diminutive of Rebecca, one of the great names of the Hebrew Bible. The original Hebrew Rivqah (רִבְקָה) appears in Genesis as the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau, making her one of the four matriarchs of the Jewish faith. Scholars connect the root to 'rVQ' meaning 'to bind' or 'to tie a knot,' with the metaphorical sense of captivating or ensnaring. Reba emerged as an affectionate short form in American culture, developing its own independent identity particularly in the South.
Reba peaked in US usage during the 1950s-60s, rooted in Southern naming traditions. Country music legend Reba McEntire (born 1955) transformed the name into a cultural landmark — one of the best-selling country artists in history, a Grammy winner, and a TV star. The name's association with her is nearly inescapable in American culture.
In Southern American culture, Reba carries the warmth of old-fashioned charm and the powerful legacy of one of country music's greatest voices. In Jewish tradition, Rivkah/Rebecca is celebrated for her decisive role in securing Jacob's birthright — an active, determined matriarch rather than a passive figure.
Historical Record
Reba first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 9,434 babies have been named Reba in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Reba is past its peak , currently ranked #6,125 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Reba McEntire has sold over 56 million records worldwide and won 16 American Country Music Awards
- Rebecca/Reba appears in the Book of Genesis as the wife of Isaac — she is one of the four matriarchs of the Jewish faith
Reba in Other Languages
Arabic
ريبكا
French
Rebecca
German
Rebekka
Hebrew
רִבְקָה (Rivkah)
Italian
Rebecca
Spanish
Rebeca
Popularity Over Time
#6,125
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1951
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Reba
R
Reba McEntire
Musician
1955
American country music legend with over 56 million records sold; also an actress and television host known as 'The Queen...
American country music legend with over 56 million records sold; also an actress and television host known as 'The Queen of Country'
R
Reba (Rebecca)
Other
Biblical matriarch of the Hebrew Bible; wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau, one of the four matriarchs of Judais...
Biblical matriarch of the Hebrew Bible; wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau, one of the four matriarchs of Judaism
R
Reba Hart Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the WB/CW sitcom 'Reba' (2001-2007), played by Reba McEntire — a witty single mother navigating family li...
Protagonist of the WB/CW sitcom 'Reba' (2001-2007), played by Reba McEntire — a witty single mother navigating family life
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Compare Reba with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,125
- Total SSA Count
- 20
- Cultural Origins
- American English Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Bea
Beba
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Reba
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Reba is also used as a boy name, ranked #34736.
View Reba as a boy name →Similar Names
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Latin via English origin
"of the navy, deep blue sea"
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"lion of God"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reba
What does the name Reba mean?
"to bind, captivating" (from Hebrew). "snare, one who captivates (metaphorical)" (from Hebrew Rivqah). Reba is a diminutive of Rebecca, one of the great names of the Hebrew Bible. The original Hebrew Rivqah (רִבְקָה) appears in Genesis as the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau, making her one of the four matriarchs of the Jewish faith. Scholars connect the root to 'rVQ' meaning 'to bind' or 'to tie a knot,' with the metaphorical sense of captivating or ensnaring. Reba emerged as an affectionate short form in American culture, developing its own independent identity particularly in the South.
What is the origin of the name Reba?
Reba has Hebrew, Hebrew Rivqah, American, and English origins. In Hebrew, it means "to bind, captivating". In Hebrew Rivqah, it means "snare, one who captivates (metaphorical)".
Is Reba a boy or girl name?
Reba is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6125. As a boy name, it is ranked #34736. Reba is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Reba?
Reba is pronounced r-EEB-uh.
How popular is the name Reba?
Reba is currently ranked #6125 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Reba?
Common nicknames for Reba include Bea and Beba.
What are good middle names for Reba?
Popular middle name pairings include Reba Lynn, Reba Ann, Reba Jane, Reba Grace, Reba Kate, Reba Jean, and Reba Lee.
What are good sibling names for Reba?
Names that pair well with Reba as siblings include Mae, June, Alice, Callie, Roy, Dean, James, and Trudy.
How many syllables does Reba have?
Reba has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Reba a common or rare name?
Reba is an uncommon name, ranked #6125 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Reba?
About the Name Reba
Reba is a girl name with American, English, and Hebrew origins . The name means "to bind, captivating" in Hebrew .
Is Reba a boy or girl name? Reba is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,125 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #34,736. Reba is more commonly used as a girl name.
Reba is currently ranked #6,125 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Reba has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-EEB-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Reba include Bea and Beba. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Reba include Rebecca, Rebekah, Rebeca, Rebel . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis