Bethel

“Hebrew”

Hebrew origin · Unisex name

♂ 17% boys♀ 83% girls

#3643US 2023

42Births / yr

↑Rising

6kAll-time births

📅 Since 189000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Bethel

BETH·ul

/ˈbɛθ.əl/ · stress on BETH · 2 syllables

“Hebrew”

Hebrew origin · Unisex name

What does Bethel mean and where does it come from?

Bethel (בֵּיתֵל) is a biblical name derived from Hebrew, referring to a place name in the Old Testament, known as the 'house of God.' It has historical significance in Jewish and Christian traditions, often symbolizing a divine presence. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world durin

Cultural significance

Bethel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.

Peak popularity

Reached #634 in 1917 — currently #3643 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Bethel?

Bethel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Bethel Grace

How popular is Bethel right now?

Rising — up 13 spots — currently #3643 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#3643 · Top 2.7%

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3643	42	▲ up 13
2022	#3656	42	▼ down 931 · -33% births
2021	#2725	63	▲ up 223 · +17% births
2020	#2948	54	▼ down 395 · -23% births
2015	#2553	70	▲ up 861 · +49% births
2010	#3414	47	▲ up 627 · +34% births
2005	#4041	35	▲ up 503 · +35% births
2000	#4544	26	▲ up 3386 · +160% births
1990	#7930	10	▼ down 1864 · -9% births
1985	#6066	11	▼ down 1714 · -35% births
1980	#4352	17	▼ down 173 · +13% births
1975	#4179	15	▼ down 283
1970	#3896	15	▼ down 1042 · -21% births
1965	#2854	19	▼ down 322 · -17% births
1960	#2532	23	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Bethel

Best Year1900Rank #655

Peak Count104

Average Rank#2650

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202327 years

The story of Bethel

Bethel has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. With 5,991 total births recorded, Bethel remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1319 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3643 in 2023. Bethel is used for both genders: 83% female and 17% male.

Names that peaked alongside Bethel in 1917:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Bethel by decade

Bethel peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	160
1900s	296
1910s	1,011
1920s ★	1,221
1930s	789
1940s	521
1950s	345
1960s	257
1970s	147
1980s	112
1990s	111
2000s	331
2010s	630
2020s	60

💎With 5,991 total births, Bethel is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Bethel?

Common

BetBeEthel

Famous people named Bethel

Bethel (historical community leader)

Bethel led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

Bethel (historical figure)

Bethel bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Bethel?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bethel also consider these

Betthel

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Betuel

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Bethen

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Beuthel

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Berthel

Germanic · bright, glorious

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Bethel written in other languages?

בֵּית־אֵל

Ancient Hebrew

Common questions about the name Bethel

What does the name Bethel mean?

Bethel means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Bethel?

Bethel is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Bethel?

Bethel originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Bethel?

Bethel is a two-syllable name pronounced B EH1 TH AH0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Bethel a common or rare name?

Bethel is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.