Girl · Hebrew · Old Testament · Biblically inspired

Rebecca

reh-BEK-uh · means “To bind, or a snare (of beauty)”

Rebecca is the common modern spelling of Rebekah, whose Hebrew meaning is usually given as "to bind" or, more poetically, a snare of beauty. It derives from Rebekah, wife of Isaac, chosen at a well through a clear and dramatic answer to prayer in Genesis 24.

“Then she said, "I will go." So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham's servant and his men.”

The story behind the name

Rebecca has been widely used across English-speaking countries for centuries and remained one of the most popular American names through much of the twentieth century, valued for its strong biblical roots.

Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac, and the servant prayed for a clear sign at a well. Rebekah appeared, offered water to the servant and his camels without being asked, and was quickly recognized as God's clear answer to that prayer (Genesis 24:12-19).

Rebekah left her family without hesitation to marry a man she had never met, trusting that God was leading her into something good. Genesis says simply that Isaac loved her (Genesis 24:67). A daughter named Rebecca carries that same readiness to step forward in faith when God's leading becomes clear.

Middle names that sing with Rebecca

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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