Bethlehem

“House of Bread”

Israel origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#13710US 2023

6Births / yr

↓Falling

426All-time births

📅 Since 198500

How to pronounce Bethlehem

BETHL·ih·em

/ˈbɛθl.ɪh.ˌɛm/ · stress on BETHL · 3 syllables

“House of Bread”

Israel origin · Girl name

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 #13710 in the US.

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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

How popular is Bethlehem right now?

Falling — down 1267 spots — currently #13710 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#13710 · Top 10%

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Bethlehem

Best Year2015Rank #5537

Peak Count24

Average Rank#9301

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1985 - 202311 years

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:

Emma Olivia Sophia Ava Isabella

Bethlehem by decade

Bethlehem peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	13
1990s	96
2000s	148
2010s ★	160
2020s	9

💎Bethlehem has only 426 total recorded births since 1985 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Bethlehem?

Common

BetBeEhem

What names sound and feel like Bethlehem?

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

Bethezel

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Bethsaida

Israel · Hebrew

Betsabet

Israel · An alternative form

Jerusalem

Israel · city of peace

Shem

Israel · name, reputation

Beachem

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Benny-lee

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Bernadine

English · Derived from 'Bernard',

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 B EH1 TH L IH0 HH EH2 M. 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.