What does Bethlehem mean and where does it come from?
Bethlehem (בֵּית לֵחֶם) is a historic city in the West Bank known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. The name itself translates to 'House of Bread' in Hebrew, symbolizing nourishment and sustenance. In contemporary times, it is used as a feminine name, especially among certain
Cultural significance
Bethlehem has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #5537 in 2015 — currently #10228 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Bethlehem?
Bethlehem works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bethlehem Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Bethlehem Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Bethlehem Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Bethlehem Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Bethlehem Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Bethlehem Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Bethlehem right now?
Falling — down 561 spots — currently #10228 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #10228 | 9 | ▼ down 561 · -10% births |
| 2024 | #9667 | 10 | ▲ up 4043 · +67% births |
| 2023 | #13710 | 6 | ▼ down 1267 · -14% births |
| 2022 | #12443 | 7 | ▼ down 4756 · -50% births |
| 2021 | #7687 | 14 | ▲ up 2761 · +56% births |
| 2020 | #10448 | 9 | ▼ down 4911 · -62% births |
| 2015 | #5537 | 24 | ▲ up 1222 · +26% births |
| 2010 | #6759 | 19 | ▲ up 1841 · +46% births |
| 2005 | #8600 | 13 | ▼ down 1578 · -13% births |
| 2000 | #7022 | 15 | ▲ up 904 · +36% births |
| 1995 | #7926 | 11 | ▲ up 2063 · +38% births |
| 1990 | #9989 | 8 | ▲ up 2204 · +60% births |
| 1985 | #12193 | 5 | — |
The story of Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1985. With 426 total births recorded, Bethlehem remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #12193 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13710 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Bethlehem in 2015:
Bethlehem by decade
Bethlehem peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 13 | |
| 1990s | 96 | |
| 2000s | 148 | |
| 2010s ★ | 160 | |
| 2020s | 28 | |
💎Bethlehem has only 426 total recorded births since 1985 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Bethlehem?
What names sound and feel like Bethlehem?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bethlehem also consider these
Common questions about the name Bethlehem
What does the name Bethlehem mean?
Bethlehem means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Bethlehem?
Bethlehem is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Bethlehem?
Bethlehem originates from Israel tradition. Israel 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 Bethlehem?
Bethlehem is a three-syllable name pronounced BETHL-ih-em. 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 Bethlehem?
Bethlehem pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Israel heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.