Find out how popular the first name Rebel has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rebel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rebel is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 57% of people named Rebel being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 61 female babies and 40 male babies born with the name Rebel.

The history of the first name Rebel

The name Rebel is a relatively modern one, first emerging in the English language during the late 16th century. It is derived from the word "rebel," which comes from the Latin "rebellis," meaning "one who rebels or defies authority." The name itself is a nod to the spirit of rebellion and non-conformity.

While the name Rebel did not appear in any ancient texts or religious scriptures, it gained popularity during the English Civil War of the 17th century. As the conflict between the Parliamentarians and Royalists escalated, the term "rebel" was frequently used to describe those who opposed the monarchy and fought for greater civil liberties.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rebel dates back to the late 17th century. Rebel Vaughan, born in 1675, was a Welsh politician and landowner who played a role in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw the overthrow of King James II and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England.

During the American Revolutionary War, the name Rebel took on a new significance. Ethan Allen, the famous Revolutionary War patriot and leader of the Green Mountain Boys, named his son Rebel Allen in 1777. This act of defiance against British rule helped solidify the name's association with the ideals of freedom and independence.

In the 19th century, the name Rebel gained traction in the American South, particularly during the Civil War era. One notable figure was Rebel Jane Randolph, born in 1835, who served as a Confederate scout and spy during the war. Her daring exploits and unwavering commitment to the Southern cause made her a legendary figure in American history.

Another prominent individual with the name Rebel was Rebel Herrin, born in 1863. Herrin was a Texas outlaw and gunslinger who gained notoriety for his involvement in the Fence Cutting War, a conflict between ranchers and free-range settlers in the late 19th century.

In more recent times, the name Rebel has been embraced by those who value individuality and non-conformity. One notable example is Rebel Rodriguez, a Mexican-American artist and activist born in 1936, who has used her art and voice to advocate for social justice and human rights.

While the name Rebel may have originated from a spirit of defiance and rebellion, it has also come to represent a sense of individuality, strength, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Its historical roots and evolution over time have made it a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name that embodies a sense of independence and free-spiritedness.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Rebel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rebel, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!