What does Bedelia mean and where does it come from?
Bedelia is of Irish origin and is often seen as a feminine name with a charming and vintage feel. It has gained some recognition in popular culture, particularly through the character Bedelia Du Maurier in the television series 'Hannibal'. The name first appeared in the mid-19th century and is prima
Cultural significance
Bedelia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bite of a barmaid or a lady; from 'beathla'..
Peak popularity
Reached #2029 in 1947 — currently #1853 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Bedelia?
Bedelia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bedelia Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bedelia Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bedelia Mae
Sweet · timeless
Bedelia Claire
French influence · crisp
Bedelia Jane
Literary · strong
Bedelia Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bedelia right now?
Holding steady — currently #1853 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1853 | 347 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1858 | 327 | ▲ up 5 · +10% births |
| 2021 | #1863 | 297 | ▲ up 4328 · +5840% births |
| 1955 | #6191 | 5 | ▼ down 1202 · -17% births |
| 1950 | #4989 | 6 | — |
The story of Bedelia
Bedelia entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 81 total births recorded, Bedelia remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4989 in 1950 to #1853 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Bedelia in 1947:
Bedelia by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 6 | |
| 1940s ★ | 42 | |
| 1950s | 21 | |
| 1960s | 12 | |
💎Bedelia has only 81 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Bedelia?
Famous people named Bedelia
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Bedelia (Celtic chieftain)
Bedelia bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
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Bedelia (Irish saint)
Bedelia helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
B(
Bedelia (Irish poet or writer)
Bedelia used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
B(
Bedelia (Irish revolutionary)
Bedelia carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Bedelia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bedelia also consider these
How is Bedelia written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Bedelia
What does the name Bedelia mean?
Bedelia means "Bite of a barmaid or a lady; from 'Beathla'." — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bedelia?
Bedelia is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bedelia?
Bedelia originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bedelia?
Bedelia is a four-syllable name pronounced B EH1 D AH0 L AY1 AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Bedelia?
Bedelia pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Irish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.