"captivating, snare"
Rebekah
The biblical matriarch spelling, timeless and gracious
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Rebekah
Rebekah is the original Hebrew spelling of Rebecca, derived from the Hebrew word ribbqah, meaning to tie firmly or to snare. The name may also be interpreted as captivating beauty or a knotted cord symbolizing a binding promise. In the Bible, Rebekah was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau, one of the four matriarchs of Judaism, a figure celebrated for her kindness, beauty, and decisive action.
The Rebekah spelling has been favored by those seeking the more authentic biblical form of the name, distinct from the more common Rebecca. It has remained consistently popular among Christian and Jewish families who prize the Old Testament connection.
As one of the four matriarchs of Judaism and a central figure in Christianity and Islam, Rebekah carries enormous spiritual weight. Her story in Genesis, where she generously offered water to camels at the well, makes her a symbol of hospitality and generosity in the Abrahamic traditions.
Fun Facts
- Rebekah is one of only four women in the entire Torah described as beautiful
- The name appears in Daphne du Maurier's classic 1938 novel Rebecca, which has never gone out of print
Rebekah in Other Languages
Famous People Named Rebekah
Rebekah Brooks
Business
1968
British media executive, former CEO of News International and editor of The Sun
Rebekah (biblical matriarch)
Religious
Wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau; one of the four Jewish matriarchs in the Hebrew Bible
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #876
- Total SSA Count
- 307
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Christian English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Rebekah is also used as a boy name, ranked #40039.
View Rebekah as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rebekah
What does the name Rebekah mean?
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Is Rebekah a boy or girl name?
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About the Name Rebekah
Rebekah is a girl name with Jewish, Christian, English, and American origins . The name means "captivating, snare" in Hebrew .
Is Rebekah a boy or girl name? Rebekah is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #876 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #40,039. Rebekah is more commonly used as a girl name.
Rebekah is currently ranked #876 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Rebekah has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Rebekah include Becca, Becky, Beck, and Reba. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Rebekah include Rebecca, Rebeca, Rebel . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.