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Rebel

♀ Girl

Pronounced REB-uhl /ˈreb.əl/Medium

Meaning: rebel; one who resists authorityMedium

In 30 seconds: Rebel is an English word name meaning 'rebel; one who resists authority'.

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Origin MediumEnglish

Meaningrebel; one who resists authority

U.S. rank (2025)#3204 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births50 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,488

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

This is a name taken straight from the English word, carrying its plain meaning of someone who resists authority. As a given name it is a bold, modern choice that wears its attitude openly, with no older origin beyond the word itself.

Its strong, single meaning gives it a confident, unconventional edge, fitting alongside other spirited word names chosen for their character.

Did you know? Rebel is a modern word-name meaning 'rebel,' one who resists authority, from the Latin rebellis 'insurgent,' which gives it its bold appeal.

Overall data confidence 70%

Behind the Name - Rebel — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSVEtymology — Rebel — meaning/etymology

Variations

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Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Rebel Wilson (1980-)
Australian actress and comedian known for the Pitch Perfect films

If you like Rebel…

Riot— another bold English word name with a defiant edge

Wren— a short, modern name with a similarly free-spirited feel

Sage— a one-word nature name chosen for its strong simple meaning

Scout— a spirited word name in the same independent vein

Reese— shares Rebel's brisk, modern unisex sound

Explore names like Rebel

By themeenglish

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rebel mean?

Rebel is usually explained as meaning 'rebel,' one who resists authority, and is most often linked with English tradition.

How do you pronounce Rebel?

It's commonly said REB-uhl /ˈreb.əl/.

Is Rebel a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Rebel is used as a girl name.

How popular is Rebel?

In 2024, Rebel ranked #2679 in the U.S. for girls, with 65 births recorded.