Negative active materials, negative electrodes, and rechargeable lithium batteries are provided. A negative electrode according to one embodiment includes a non-carbon-based active material, a lithium salt having an oxalatoborate structure, and a high-strength polymer binder. The negative active material may include a non-carbon-based material and a coating layer on the non-carbon-based material. The coating layer includes a lithium salt having an oxalatoborate structure and a high-strength polymer binder. A rechargeable lithium battery including the negative electrode or negative active material has good cycle life characteristics and high capacity.