Rifka

Rifka

See My Baby Name List
Table of Contents
1. Rifka name meaning and origin
2. Rifka name popularity
3. Variations and nicknames of Rifka
4. Best name combinations with Rifka
5. Numerology of Rifka name
6. Rifka name in pop culture
7. Famous people named Rifka
8. Names similar to Rifka

1. Rifka name meaning and origin

The name Rifka is a variant of Rebecca, originating from the Hebrew name רִבְקָה (Rivkah). Its etymology can be traced back to the Biblical figure Rebecca, who was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. The name carries the meaning of 'connection,' 'join,' or 'tied,' though some scholars suggest it may alternatively mean 'captivating' or 'snare.

In Jewish tradition, Rifka holds significant cultural and religious importance as one of the matriarchs of the Israelites. The spelling variation 'Rifka' emerged primarily in Eastern European Jewish communities, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews, where it was a common feminine given name. Over centuries, as Jewish communities migrated across Europe and later to the Americas, the name maintained its cultural significance while adapting to local linguistic patterns.

2. Rifka name popularity

Girl
Boy
#0
in 2023
0
from 2022
Popularity of Rifka
United States
United Kingdom

Rifka is a feminine name with roots in several cultural traditions, including Hebrew and Yiddish, where it's a variant of Rebecca. While the name has presence in both the United States and United Kingdom, it hasn't ranked among the most popular names in either country's official records in recent decades.

Despite its relative rarity, Rifka carries significant cultural heritage, particularly in Jewish communities. The name means "bound" or "tied" in its Hebrew origins, suggesting connection and commitment. Though uncommon in mainstream naming trends, Rifka remains a thoughtful choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth and distinctive character.

3. Variations and nicknames of Rifka

The name Rifka, with Hebrew origins meaning 'captivating' or 'to tie firmly,' has evolved across various cultures and languages over centuries. In its original Hebrew form, Rifka is a variant of Rebecca, the biblical matriarch and wife of Isaac. As the name traveled across borders, it developed numerous spelling variations while maintaining its melodic essence. Common variants include Rivka, which closely adheres to the Hebrew pronunciation, Rifke, popular in Yiddish-speaking communities, and Rifkah, which adds the traditional Hebrew ending. Other international variations include the Polish Rywka, the Russian Rivkah, and the more Anglicized forms like Rifke and Rivke. Each variant carries the name's fundamental character while reflecting the linguistic patterns of its cultural context.

With such a rich traditional name come numerous affectionate nicknames that families have used across generations. Rifi and Riffi serve as playful, modern diminutives, while Riv and Rivvy offer shorter alternatives that maintain the name's distinctive sound. Some families use Rika or Rica as a softer variation, while others prefer Kika or Kiki for a more contemporary feel. In Eastern European Jewish communities, endearments like Rifkele or Rivkele (meaning 'little Rifka') have been used for generations, adding warmth through the diminutive suffix. The nickname Becky, drawing from Rebecca, is sometimes adopted by those seeking a more familiar Western alternative while still honoring the traditional name. These diverse nicknames allow individuals named Rifka to adapt their identity across different social contexts while maintaining connection to their cultural heritage.

4. Best name combinations with Rifka

Middle names that pair well with Rifka:

  • Rifka Adina
  • Rifka Eliana
  • Rifka Batsheva
  • Rifka Naomi
  • Rifka Leah
  • Rifka Shoshana
  • Rifka Miriam
  • Rifka Esther
  • Rifka Tzipporah
  • Rifka Hannah
  • Rifka Devorah
  • Rifka Aviva
  • Rifka Malka
  • Rifka Tova
  • Rifka Sarah
  • Rifka Rose
  • Rifka Elise
  • Rifka Sophia
  • Rifka Noor
  • Rifka Zara

Names that go well when Rifka is used as a middle name:

  • Mira Rifka
  • Adina Rifka
  • Hannah Rifka
  • Talia Rifka
  • Sarah Rifka
  • Leah Rifka
  • Esther Rifka
  • Naomi Rifka
  • Chava Rifka
  • Eliana Rifka
  • Shira Rifka
  • Aviva Rifka
  • Dalia Rifka
  • Maya Rifka
  • Ariella Rifka
  • Eva Rifka
  • Sophia Rifka
  • Nora Rifka
  • Liora Rifka
  • Ziva Rifka

5. Numerology of Rifka name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

2
R(9) + I(9) + F(6) + K(2) + A(1) = 27 → 2+7 = 9

Your Destiny Number 9 indicates you're a humanitarian at heart with strong ideals. You naturally see the bigger picture and often put others' needs before your own. In careers, you excel in positions that help people—teaching, counseling, or creative fields where you can inspire. In relationships, you're giving and compassionate but sometimes need to maintain healthy boundaries. Your purpose involves bringing wisdom and selfless service to those around you.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

5
Vowels: I(9) + A(1) = 10 → 1+0 = 1

With Soul Urge Number 1, you deeply desire independence and leadership. You're driven by original ideas and the freedom to chart your own path. Your heart yearns to make a significant impact and stand out from the crowd. In relationships, you value honesty and respect, seeking partners who support your ambitions without limiting your freedom. You're motivated by personal achievement and recognition for your unique contributions.

Personality Number:

8
Consonants: R(9) + F(6) + K(2) = 17 → 1+7 = 8

Your Personality Number 8 presents you to the world as confident and capable. People see you as ambitious and authoritative, someone who can manage resources effectively. You project strength and reliability in professional settings, naturally drawing respect. This number suggests you appear business-minded and practical, with good judgment in material matters. In relationships, others perceive you as protective and dependable, though possibly reserved until trust is established.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Rifka name in pop culture

Name
Description
Rifka
Protagonist in the 1992 historical fiction novel 'Letters From Rifka' by Karen Hesse about a Jewish girl fleeing Russia in 1919
Rifka Kreigel
Character in Chaim Potok's novel 'In the Beginning' (1975), a young woman who influences the protagonist's intellectual development
Rifka
Character in the 2014 indie film 'Felix and Meira' directed by Maxime Giroux, portrayed as a member of Montreal's Hasidic Jewish community
Rifka
Character in Monica Ali's novel 'Brick Lane' (2003), a minor character who interacts with the protagonist Nazneen
Rifka
Subject of the folk song 'Rifka's Song' by The Klezmatics, featured on their album 'Rise Up!' (2002)

7. Famous people named Rifka

Name
Description
Rivka Michaeli
Israeli actress, comedian, and television host who has been a prominent figure in Israeli entertainment since the 1960s
Rifka Lodeizen
Dutch actress known for her roles in critically acclaimed films and TV series including 'Overspel' and 'Judas'
Rifka Kreiter
American author known for her memoir 'Home Free: A Memoir of an American Radical'
Rifka Rosenwein
American journalist and author who wrote for The Wall Street Journal and penned the memoir 'Life in the Present Tense'
Rebecca (Rifka) Garber
Canadian cantor, composer, and Jewish liturgical music performer known for her contributions to contemporary Jewish music
Rifka Lebowitz
Financial consultant and author known for her book 'Smarter Israeli Banking' and her work helping immigrants navigate Israeli financial systems
Rifka Angel
Polish-American modernist painter associated with the Chicago art scene of the early 20th century
Rifka Brunt
Contemporary artist and illustrator known for her distinctive visual style and exhibitions in European galleries
Rifka Bar-Yakov
Israeli choreographer and dance educator who has contributed significantly to the development of modern dance in Israel
Rifka Cook
Chef, cookbook author, and culinary instructor specializing in Jewish and Middle Eastern cuisines

8. Names similar to Rifka

Baby Name Generator

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Our Baby Name Generator helps you find the perfect name, sorted by gender, letter, meaning, and more. You don't need to fill out every field, just the ones you're interested in.

I'm looking for
  • Boy
  • Girl
  • Both
names with the
, starting with
and ending with
with
syllables.
I like names that mean
and are
  • Any theme
  • Biblical
  • Classic
  • Color-inspired
  • Cool and creative
  • Disney characters
  • Elegant
  • Flowers
  • Gender-neutral
  • Hipster
  • Musical
  • Mythology
  • Nature
  • Old-fashioned
  • Places
  • Popular-namealternatives
  • Shakespeare
  • Short and sweet
  • Southern
  • Uniqu
  • Wild West
names.
Show me names of
  • Any origin
  • African
  • African American
  • American
  • American Indian
  • British
  • Arabic
  • Aramaic
  • Armenian
  • Basque
  • Celtic
  • Chechen
  • Chinese
  • Dutch
  • Egyptian
  • English
  • Eritrean
  • Filipino
  • French
  • Gaelic
  • German
  • Ghanaian
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Hindu
  • Hungarian
  • Indian
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Latin
  • Maori
  • Muslim
  • Native American
  • Nigerian
  • Persian
  • Polish
  • Polynesian
  • Punjabi
  • Russian
  • Sanskrit
  • Scandinavian
  • Scottish
  • Slavic
  • Spanish
  • Swahili
  • Swedish
  • Teutonic
  • Tongan
  • Turkish
  • Ugandan
  • Vietnamese
  • Welsh
  • Yoruban
Origin.

Search by name

Looking for baby name ideas, advice, meanings, and popularity.

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Popularity All names
All names
Show top 50
Show top 100
Exclude top 50
Exclude top 100
Sort by Most popular
Most popular
A to Z
Z to A
Table of Contents
1. Rifka name meaning and origin
2. Rifka name popularity
3. Variations and nicknames of Rifka
4. Best name combinations with Rifka
5. Numerology of Rifka name
6. Rifka name in pop culture
7. Famous people named Rifka
8. Names similar to Rifka