What does Bethany mean and where does it come from?
Bethany is derived from the Hebrew name 'Bet' (house) and 'anah' (poor) or 'te' (fig). It references a village near Jerusalem mentioned in the New Testament as the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The name gained popularity in the 19th century and remains common in English-speaking countries, ofte
Cultural significance
Bethany has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of house of poverty.
Peak popularity
Reached #87 in 1987 — currently #752 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Bethany?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Bethany?
Bethany works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bethany Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Bethany Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Bethany Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Bethany Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Bethany Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Bethany Dream
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Bethany right now?
Declining — down 27 spots — currently #752 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #752 | 362 | ▼ down 27 · -7% births |
| 2024 | #725 | 389 | ▼ down 4 |
| 2023 | #721 | 390 | ▼ down 55 · -12% births |
| 2022 | #666 | 443 | ▼ down 28 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #638 | 464 | ▼ down 35 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #603 | 478 | ▼ down 184 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #419 | 764 | ▼ down 50 · -11% births |
| 2010 | #369 | 862 | ▼ down 142 · -43% births |
| 2005 | #227 | 1,503 | ▼ down 76 · -31% births |
| 2000 | #151 | 2,191 | ▼ down 35 · -20% births |
| 1995 | #116 | 2,743 | ▼ down 9 · -15% births |
| 1990 | #107 | 3,236 | ▼ down 13 · +9% births |
| 1985 | #94 | 2,958 | ▲ up 30 · +18% births |
| 1980 | #124 | 2,499 | ▲ up 93 · +120% births |
| 1975 | #217 | 1,136 | — |
The story of Bethany
Bethany entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. Its peak popularity was #87 in 1987. A total of 99,000 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4138 in 1915 to #721 in 2023. Bethany is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Bethany in 1987:
Bethany by decade
Bethany peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 46 | |
| 1920s | 119 | |
| 1930s | 164 | |
| 1940s | 471 | |
| 1950s | 1,513 | |
| 1960s | 3,806 | |
| 1970s | 12,214 | |
| 1980s ★ | 29,445 | |
| 1990s | 27,786 | |
| 2000s | 15,375 | |
| 2010s | 7,583 | |
| 2020s | 1,229 | |
What are good nicknames for Bethany?
What names sound and feel like Bethany?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bethany also consider these
How is Bethany written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Bethany
What does the name Bethany mean?
Bethany means "House of poverty" — a name rooted in English 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 Bethany?
Bethany is currently ranked #721 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Bethany?
Bethany originates from English tradition. English 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 Bethany?
Bethany is a three-syllable name pronounced BETH-un-ee. 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 Bethany?
Bethany pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.