The name Rebecca has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Rivkah," which means "to tie" or "to bind." The name is believed to have originated around the 2nd millennium BCE.

Rebecca is a prominent name in the Bible, being the name of the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau. Her story is recounted in the Book of Genesis, where she is described as beautiful and virtuous. Rebecca's name is mentioned numerous times in the biblical text, making it one of the earliest recorded instances of the name.

The name Rebecca gained popularity among early Christians, who often named their daughters after figures from the Old Testament. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Rebecca, a 4th-century Christian martyr who was killed during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

During the Middle Ages, the name Rebecca was relatively uncommon in Europe, likely due to its Hebrew origins. However, it experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Protestant Reformation, when many Protestants turned to the Old Testament for inspiration in naming their children.

One of the most famous historical figures named Rebecca was Rebecca Gratz (1781-1869), a pioneering American Jewish educator and philanthropist. She was instrumental in establishing several charitable institutions in Philadelphia and advocating for the rights of Jewish people.

Another notable bearer of the name was Rebecca Felton (1835-1930), an American woman's rights activist, writer, and politician. She became the first woman to serve in the United States Senate in 1922, although her term was brief and honorary.

Rebecca West (1892-1983) was a renowned English novelist, journalist, and critic. She is best known for her novels "The Return of the Soldier" and "The Fountain Overflows," as well as her incisive literary criticism.

Rebecca Latimer Felton (1835-1930) was an American writer, teacher, and political activist who played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in Georgia. She was also the first woman to be appointed to the United States Senate, serving for a single day in 1922.

Rebecca Alie (1888-1987) was a pioneering African-American chemist and educator. She was the first African-American woman to receive a master's degree in chemistry from the University of Chicago and later became a professor at several historically Black colleges and universities.