A negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery is disclosed. The negative electrode includes a current collector and a negative active material layer positioned on the current collector and including a negative active material and a binder, wherein the negative active material includes a silicon-based material, a tin-based material, or a combination thereof, and the binder includes an organic acid including a carboxyl group-containing polymer and an organic base having a cyclic structure. A method of preparing the same, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same are also disclosed.