Rebekah

Origin

Hebrew origin, from רִבְקָה (Rivkah), meaning 'to tie, to bind'. The name appears in the Bible as the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. It entered English usage via the Old Testament. In Australia, the name has Christian religious roots and has been popular among Christian communities. It does not have specific Aboriginal or Māori origins.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'to tie or bind'. In Australian English contexts, it is often associated with qualities of faithfulness, unity, and tradition, owing to its biblical heritage.

Pronunciation

/rɪˈbɛkə/ (rhi-BEK-uh) — with the emphasis on the second syllable, in line with Australian English pronunciation. Typical Australian pronunciation maintains the traditional stress pattern.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 26 July (Feast of Saint Rebekah) — observed in some Christian calendars.
• Māori celebration of Rā Whānau (Family Day), occasionally inclusive of names like Rebekah that have biblical roots, reflecting broader cultural integration.
• Orthodox Christian feast days for Rebekah vary by calendar.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with rebekah:

• Emma and Rebekah
• Sophie and Rebekah
• Charlotte and Rebekah

Fun Facts

• Rebekah was a common biblical name among early Australian settlers and has appeared in several Australian literature works.
• The name has been popular in Australia since the 19th century, often linked to religious communities.
• In Australian popular culture, the name appears in TV series and novels, symbolising traditional femininity.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name rebekah:

• faithful
• traditional
• kind-hearted
• resilient

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a classic, elegant look, with a balanced, symmetrical spelling that appeals visually and typographically, fitting well within Australian aesthetic sensibilities.

Geographical Distribution

More prevalent in states with strong religious communities, such as Queensland and New South Wales, though widely used across Australia. It is less common in rural Northern Australia.

Numerological Significance

The name Rebekah corresponds to the number 7 in numerology, symbolising introspection and spiritual awareness, often associated with deep thinking and intuition.

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac sign is associated with the name, but individuals named Rebekah are sometimes linked to qualities of Pisces or Scorpio, which are intuitive and passionate.

Historical Context

Rebekah has been borne by notable Australians, including religious figures and characters in Australian literature. The name gained prominence with early European settlement in Australia, often chosen for its biblical significance and cultural heritage.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name appears in various forms across languages: Rebekka (German, Scandinavian), Rebeca (Spanish, Portuguese), Rebecka (Swedish). It adapts well to scripts with Latin alphabets and retains its biblical connotations.

Famous People Named rebekah

• Rebekah Campbell (Entrepreneur and Author)
• Rebekah Broad (Australian actress)
• Rebekah Mah (Australian television presenter)

Popularity in Australia