bekah

Bekah is a feminine given name, often used as a shortened form of Rebecca or Rebekah, and it is sometimes adopted as a standalone name in its own right. It has become increasingly common in English-speaking countries as a simple, informal form.

Etymology and meaning: The name traces to the Hebrew Rivka, the original form of Rebecca. In Hebrew, Rivka is associated with meanings tied to “binding” or “tetter,” and over time the name has accrued various interpretations in popular usage. Bekah is one of several modern English spellings of the name, alongside Becca, Becka, Beccah, and the longer Rebekah or Rebecca.

Usage and recognition: Bekah has been used in the United States and other Anglophone regions since the late 20th century, appearing in baby-name lists and in contemporary culture. It is generally regarded as an informal or affectionate variant, though some people bear it as a formal given name rather than a nickname.

Notable people: Notable individuals named Bekah include Bekah Brunstetter, an American playwright and screenwriter, and Bekah Martinez, an American television personality and former contestant on The Bachelor. Their visibility reflects the name’s presence in modern public life.

See also: Rebecca, Rebekah, Becca, Becka.