In 'Aliens', the young colony survivor protected by Ripley is Newt, whose birth name is Rebecca Jorden.
Newt is the only surviving colonist of Hadley's Hope on LV-426 when the Colonial Marines arrive. She has survived by hiding in the colony's air ducts, avoiding the Xenomorph infestation that has overrun the settlement. Although initially traumatized and wary, she gradually bonds with Ellen Ripley, who becomes a protective, mother-like figure to her.
Her nickname comes from her family name: Rebecca Jorden is called 'Newt' by the other colonists. The film makes her central to the emotional stakes of the mission, especially because Ripley has lost contact with her own daughter during the years she spent in hypersleep after the events of 'Alien'.
Viewers sometimes confuse Newt with Amanda Ripley, but Amanda is Ellen Ripley's daughter and does not appear as the rescued child in 'Aliens'. Vasquez is a Colonial Marine, while the name Rebecca identifies Newt's given name. During the climax, Ripley enters the Xenomorph hive to rescue Newt and confronts the Alien Queen.