"to feel great joy, to be glad"
Origin: English
Language: English
Rejoice
Pronunciation: [ r-ihj-OYS ]
African Christian virtue name celebrating life's joy
African
African-American
Christian
Zimbabwean
Nigerian
Spiritual
Bold
Unique
Earthy
Playful
Meaning & Origin
"gladden, cause happiness"
Origin: Old French via Latin
Language: English
Browse names with similar meanings:
The Story of Rejoice
Rejoice comes directly from the English verb meaning 'to feel great joy or gladness', itself derived from Old French 'rejoir' (to gladden again) and Latin 'gaudere' (to rejoice). As a given name, Rejoice is part of the Christian virtue name tradition — particularly strong in sub-Saharan Africa — where parents name children to express gratitude to God or to embody a desired spiritual quality. The name carries the simple, powerful message that this child's birth is an occasion for celebration.
Rejoice is most commonly given in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, and other southern and eastern African countries with strong Christian traditions. In these communities, virtue names and praise names are culturally significant ways of expressing faith and gratitude. The name appears occasionally in African diaspora communities in the UK and US.
In many African Christian communities, giving a child a virtue name like Rejoice, Blessing, or Precious is a form of thanksgiving prayer — the name itself becomes a daily declaration of faith. The phrase 'Rejoice in the Lord always' from Philippians 4:4 gives this name deep scriptural resonance.
Fun Facts
- Rejoice is among a family of Christian virtue names particularly popular in Zimbabwe and Zambia, alongside Blessing, Gracious, and Tenderness
- The biblical injunction 'Rejoice always' appears in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 and Philippians 4:4
- Virtue names given at birth serve as a lifelong declaration of faith in many African Christian traditions
Rejoice in Other Languages
Zulu
Jabula
Shona
Farira
French
Réjouissez-vous
Spanish
Regocija
Portuguese
Rejubilar
Popularity Over Time
#6,254
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Rejoice
R
Rejoice Mabudafhasi
Politician
South African politician and former Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
R
Rejoice Ngwenya
Activist
Zimbabwean civil society activist and director of the Coalition for Market and Liberal Solutions
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,254
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- African African-American Christian Zimbabwean Nigerian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Joy
Reje
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, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, unique style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (African)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rejoice
What does the name Rejoice mean?
"to feel great joy, to be glad" (from English). "gladden, cause happiness" (from Old French via Latin). Rejoice comes directly from the English verb meaning 'to feel great joy or gladness', itself derived from Old French 'rejoir' (to gladden again) and Latin 'gaudere' (to rejoice). As a given name, Rejoice is part of the Christian virtue name tradition — particularly strong in sub-Saharan Africa — where parents name children to express gratitude to God or to embody a desired spiritual quality. The name carries the simple, powerful message that this child's birth is an occasion for celebration.
What is the origin of the name Rejoice?
Rejoice has English, Old French via Latin, African, African-American, Christian, Zimbabwean, and Nigerian origins. In English, it means "to feel great joy, to be glad". In Old French via Latin, it means "gladden, cause happiness".
Is Rejoice a boy or girl name?
Rejoice is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Rejoice?
Rejoice is pronounced r-ihj-OYS.
How popular is the name Rejoice?
Rejoice is currently ranked #6254 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Rejoice?
Common nicknames for Rejoice include Joy and Reje.
What are good middle names for Rejoice?
Popular middle name pairings include Rejoice Grace, Rejoice Faith, Rejoice Hope, Rejoice Blessing, Rejoice Peace, Rejoice Love, and Rejoice Joy.
What are good sibling names for Rejoice?
Names that pair well with Rejoice as siblings include Blessing, Faith, Hope, Precious, Favour, Miracle, Praise, and Emmanuel.
How many syllables does Rejoice have?
Rejoice has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Rejoice a common or rare name?
Rejoice is an uncommon name, ranked #6254 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Rejoice
Rejoice is a girl name with African, African-American, Christian, Zimbabwean, and Nigerian origins . The name means "to feel great joy, to be glad" in English .
Rejoice is currently ranked #6,254 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Rejoice has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-ihj-OYS, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Rejoice include Joy and Reje. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.