Bethany Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Bethany Name Meaning

Fact: The Bethany town that inspired the name is said to be near the sacred land of Jerusalem, where Lazarus lived, according to the New Testament.

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A Deep Dive

Bethany Overview

Meaning

House of figs, house of affliction

Gender

Girl

Origin

Hebrew, Aramaic

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew place name “Bethany,” which means “house of figs”​.

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈbɛθəni/

Popularity

Bethany is appreciated in various countries, particularly in the USA and the UK. In 2023, it ranked #718 for girls in the USA.

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Traditional, Religious and Spiritual, Classic

Associated Traits

Friendly, creative, reliable, warm

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

A significant biblical place where Jesus stayed during Holy Week; it symbolizes hospitality and kindness.

Name Day

July 28th
A Deep Dive

Bethany Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Bethan, Bethenny, Bethania, Betania, Bethanne, Bethannie, Bethaney, Bethani, Bethannie, Beth

Common Nicknames

Beth, Annie, Betsy, Betty, Bee, Bebe, Bess, Bethy, Bettie, Nana

Diminutives

Beth, Betsy, Betty, Bess, Bethy, Bettie, Bee, Nana, Bea, Bebe

Famous People

  • Bethany Hamilton
    (American Surfer)
  • Bethany Joy Lenz
    (American Actress)
  • Bethany Beardslee
    (American Soprano)
  • Bethany Black
    (British Comedian)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • "Bethany"
    (Film)
  • Bethany Sloane
    ("Dogma," Film)
  • Bethany Young
    ("Pretty Little Liars," TV Series)
  • Bethany Applebaum
    ("Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," Film)

Places

  • Bethany City
    (Oklahoma, USA)
  • Bethany Town
    (Connecticut, USA)
  • Bethany Town
    (Missouri, USA)
  • Bethany Beach
    (Delaware, USA)
  • Bethany Town
    (West Virginia, USA)
  • Bethany Village
    (Illinois, USA)
  • Bethany Village
    (Ontario, Canada)

What Is the Meaning of Bethany?

Bethany means “house of figs” or “house of affliction,” often embodying a nurturing and compassionate personality.

What Is the Origin of The Name Bethany?

Bethany is of Hebrew and Aramaic origin. The name comes from the biblical place name Bethany, which was a village near Jerusalem. In Hebrew, “Beth” means “house,” and “ani” can mean “figs” or “affliction,” giving the name its dual meanings.

Bethany Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Bethany in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#6402021#6662022#7182023
Top 3 Rankings#871987#891988#901986

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Bethany

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023718
(-52 from 2022)
389
(-54 from 2022)
0.02224
2022666
(-26 from 2021)
443
(-20 from 2021)
0.02471
2021640
(-39 from 2020)
463
(-20 from 2020)
0.02584
2020601
(-49 from 2019)
483
(-67 from 2019)
0.02732
2019552
(-78 from 2018)
550
(-107 from 2018)
0.02997
2018474
(+26 from 2017)
657
(+30 from 2017)
0.03533
2017500
(-40 from 2016)
627
(-65 from 2016)
0.03319
2016460
(-45 from 2015)
692
(-78 from 2015)
0.03575
2015415
(-22 from 2014)
770
(-59 from 2014)
0.03947
2014393
(-7 from 2013)
829
(+27 from 2013)
0.04238
2013386
(-34 from 2012)
802
(-101 from 2012)
0.04160
2012352
(-2 from 2011)
903
(-12 from 2011)
0.04656
2011350
(+18 from 2010)
915
(+50 from 2010)
0.04722
2010368
(-27 from 2009)
865
(-99 from 2009)
0.04412
2009341
(-26 from 2008)
964
(-101 from 2008)
0.04760
2008315
(-24 from 2007)
1065
(-103 from 2007)
0.05113
2007291
(-48 from 2006)
1168
(-237 from 2006)
0.05519
2006243
(-16 from 2005)
1405
(-99 from 2005)
0.06721
2005227
(-20 from 2004)
1504
(-125 from 2004)
0.07410
2004207
(-3 from 2003)
1629
(+10 from 2003)
0.08073
2003204
(-26 from 2002)
1619
(-174 from 2002)
0.08069
2002178
(-21 from 2001)
1793
(-237 from 2001)
0.09078
2001157
(-6 from 2000)
2030
(-161 from 2000)
0.10248
2000151
(-11 from 1999)
2191
(-112 from 1999)
0.10978
1999140
(-8 from 1998)
2303
(-187 from 1998)
0.11830
1998132
(-11 from 1997)
2490
(-133 from 1997)
0.12845
1997121
(-4 from 1996)
2623
(-76 from 1996)
0.13738
1996117
(-1 from 1995)
2699
(-44 from 1995)
0.14078
1995116
No change from 1994
2743
(-31 from 1994)
0.14275
1994116
(-1 from 1993)
2774
(-66 from 1993)
0.14230
1993115
No change from 1992
2840
(-90 from 1992)
0.14405
1992115
(-6 from 1991)
2930
(-183 from 1991)
0.14616
1991109
(-2 from 1990)
3113
(-125 from 1990)
0.15309
1990107
(-5 from 1989)
3238
(+157 from 1989)
0.15761
1989102
(-13 from 1988)
3081
(-189 from 1988)
0.15465
198889
(-2 from 1987)
3270
(-24 from 1987)
0.17004
198787
(+3 from 1986)
3294
(+212 from 1986)
0.17575
198690
(+4 from 1985)
3082
(+125 from 1985)
0.16700
198594
(-1 from 1984)
2957
(-25 from 1984)
0.16016
198493
(+6 from 1983)
2982
(+217 from 1983)
0.16536
198399
(+13 from 1982)
2765
(+52 from 1982)
0.15450
1982112
(+2 from 1981)
2713
(+23 from 1981)
0.14954
1981114
(+10 from 1980)
2690
(+193 from 1980)
0.15040
1980124
(+11 from 1979)
2497
(+403 from 1979)
0.14023
1979135
(+20 from 1978)
2094
(+329 from 1978)
0.12151
1978155
(+21 from 1977)
1765
(+233 from 1977)
0.10737
1977176
(+16 from 1976)
1532
(+239 from 1976)
0.09313
1976192
(+25 from 1975)
1293
(+157 from 1975)
0.08226
1975217
No change from 1974
1136
(-45 from 1974)
0.07278
1974217
(+25 from 1973)
1181
(+139 from 1973)
0.07540
1973242
(+67 from 1972)
1042
(+261 from 1972)
0.06705
1972309
(+55 from 1971)
781
(+127 from 1971)
0.04843
1971364
(-8 from 1970)
654
(-49 from 1970)
0.03732
1970356
(+16 from 1969)
703
(+80 from 1969)
0.03838
1969372
(+50 from 1968)
623
(+122 from 1968)
0.03534
1968422
(+8 from 1967)
501
(+27 from 1967)
0.02930
1967430
(+23 from 1966)
474
(+44 from 1966)
0.02761
1966453
(+30 from 1965)
430
(+43 from 1965)
0.02449
1965483
(+28 from 1964)
387
(+20 from 1964)
0.02118
1964511
(+20 from 1963)
367
(+33 from 1963)
0.01875
1963531
(+109 from 1962)
334
(+85 from 1962)
0.01680
1962640
(+57 from 1961)
249
(+23 from 1961)
0.01228
1961697
(-6 from 1960)
226
(+10 from 1960)
0.01088
1960691
(+17 from 1959)
216
(+17 from 1959)
0.01039
1959708
(+135 from 1958)
199
(+53 from 1958)
0.00957
1958843
(-38 from 1957)
146
(-12 from 1957)
0.00707
1957805
(-13 from 1956)
158
(+2 from 1956)
0.00753
1956792
(-65 from 1955)
156
(-14 from 1955)
0.00757
1955727
(-21 from 1954)
170
(-3 from 1954)
0.00848
1954706
(+143 from 1953)
173
(+53 from 1953)
0.00869
1953849
(-59 from 1952)
120
(-10 from 1952)
0.00622
1952790
(-65 from 1951)
130
(-15 from 1951)
0.00683
1951725
(+78 from 1950)
145
(+28 from 1950)
0.00785
1950803
(+100 from 1949)
117
(+21 from 1949)
0.00665
1949903
(+146 from 1948)
96
(+25 from 1948)
0.00547
19481049
(+269 from 1947)
71
(+23 from 1947)
0.00407
19471318
(-98 from 1946)
48
(-2 from 1946)
0.00264
19461220
(+154 from 1945)
50
(+16 from 1945)
0.00310
19451374
(+7 from 1944)
34
No change from 1944
0.00253
19441381
(-153 from 1943)
34
(-9 from 1943)
0.00249
19431228
(-127 from 1942)
43
(-8 from 1942)
0.00300
19421101
(+595 from 1941)
51
(+29 from 1941)
0.00367
19411696
(-14 from 1940)
22
No change from 1940
0.00177
19401682
(-304 from 1939)
22
(-7 from 1939)
0.00186
19391378
(+374 from 1938)
29
(+9 from 1938)
0.00256
19381752
(+444 from 1937)
20
(+6 from 1937)
0.00175
19372196
(+1505 from 1936)
14
(+8 from 1936)
0.00127
19363701
(-2095 from 1935)
6
(-16 from 1935)
0.00056
19351606
(+45 from 1934)
22
(+1 from 1934)
0.00202
19341651
(+255 from 1933)
21
(+4 from 1933)
0.00194
19331906
(+584 from 1932)
17
(+5 from 1932)
0.00163
19322490
(-285 from 1931)
12
(-2 from 1931)
0.00108
19312205
(+850 from 1930)
14
(+5 from 1930)
0.00127
19303055
(-618 from 1929)
9
(-4 from 1929)
0.00077
19292437
(+1758 from 1928)
13
(+7 from 1928)
0.00112
19284195
(-1939 from 1927)
6
(-10 from 1927)
0.00050
19272256
(+1014 from 1926)
16
(+7 from 1926)
0.00129
19263270
(-1324 from 1925)
9
(-11 from 1925)
0.00073
19251946
(+1447 from 1924)
20
(+11 from 1924)
0.00158
19243393
(-1302 from 1923)
9
(-9 from 1923)
0.00069
19232091
(+1288 from 1922)
18
(+9 from 1922)
0.00144
19223379
(+287 from 1921)
9
(+1 from 1921)
0.00072
19213666
(-767 from 1920)
8
(-3 from 1920)
0.00063
19202899
(-515 from 1919)
11
(-3 from 1919)
0.00088
19192384
(+438 from 1918)
14
(+3 from 1918)
0.00119
19182822
(+1261 from 1917)
11
(+5 from 1917)
0.00091
19174083
(-1053 from 1916)
6
(-3 from 1916)
0.00053
19163030
(+765 from 1915)
9
(+3 from 1915)
0.00083
19153795
First SSA data recorded
6
First SSA data recorded
0.00059
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Bethany

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#6662021#5852022#7272023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#5792021#5912022#7332023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#5732021#4872022#4322023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#6222021#7122022#8042023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#4512021#3692022#4322023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#8912021#12482022#8252023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#10132021#9152022#8902023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#3692021#10352022#10322023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#10292021#8842022#8932023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#3282021#5342022#4062023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#7732021#6822022#10372023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#4672021#4792022#7452023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#6412021#7532022#8272023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#8512021#6612022#6072023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#5082021#6522022#6752023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#6232017#7442018#8682020

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#6842020#7062021#8682022

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#7342021#8482022#6382023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#5082021#8392022#4922023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#8522021#8852022#6332023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#7242021#7352022#7882023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#3162019#5022021#6462022

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#5882019#6472020#7442022

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#6932021#7022022#6962023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#4372020#5082022#5002023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#5272021#4412022#9222023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#7482019#5492021#4892022

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#3632015#5062017#4982022

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3512016#3502017#3352020

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#5142020#5052021#5262022

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#9502021#12542022#8882023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#3832016#4892017#4952018

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#7822020#8002021#7962022

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#3802021#4332022#4132023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2352005#1792019#2082021

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#5172014#5122015#5552021

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1402003#1832004#1472005

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3352017#4282018#3272021

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1282004#2402005#2402006

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#2862016#2342019#3322023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3332016#2822019#3302023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1392003#1612005#1762009

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#4422020#3932021#4312022

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1812011#2232016#1802019

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#2152009#1182010#1622012

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1232012#2002014#1532016

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#831999#862000#662001

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1322002#1482004#1672011

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1962003#1382005#2092006

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#431998#1112002#592007

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2671994#1471997#2672016

Popularity Rankings for Bethany in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#882002#962003#1002004

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#2372021#2432022#1592023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#1792019#2262020#2272021

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1982021#2482022#2632023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3032021#2982022#3072023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#5172021#3572022#4452023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#4412021#4752022#6642023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#6782020#9722021#6772022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Bethany a Name for Boys or Girls?

Bethany is a beautiful name for girls. With its biblical connection and soothing meanings, it’s a name that parents cherish for their daughters.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Bethany

Bethany in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Bethany Hamilton (Surfer, 1990): An American professional surfer who returned to competition after losing her arm in a shark attack.
  • Bethany Joy Lenz (Actress, 1981): An American actress and singer best known for her role on the TV show "One Tree Hill."
  • Bethany Beardslee (Soprano, 1925): An American soprano renowned for her performances of contemporary classical music.
  • Bethany Black (Comedian, 1978): A British stand-up comedian and actress known for her appearances on TV shows such as "Cucumber" and "Banana."
  • Bethany Dillon (Musician, 1988): An American Christian music artist with several hit albums and singles.
  • Bethany Sloane ("Dogma," 1999 Film): A character who embarks on a quest to stop renegade angels from undoing the universe.
  • "Bethany" (2017 Film): A horror film that follows a woman who is haunted by visions from her childhood after moving into her deceased mother's house.
  • Bethany Young ("Pretty Little Liars," 2010 TV Series): A mysterious character whose death sets off a chain of events in the series.
  • Bethany Applebaum ("Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," 2017 Film): A popular high school girl who transforms into a middle-aged man in a video game world.
  • Bethany City (Oklahoma, USA): A city in Oklahoma known for its friendly community, rich history, and vibrant local culture.
  • Bethany Town (Connecticut, USA): A small town in Connecticut characterized by its rural charm and picturesque landscapes.
  • Bethany Beach (Delaware, USA): A popular seaside resort known for its beautiful beaches, boardwalk, and family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Bethany Town (Missouri, USA): A town in Missouri recognized for its historic sites and close-knit community.
  • Bethany Town (West Virginia, USA): A small town in West Virginia home to Bethany College, known for its historic and academic significance.
  • Bethany Village (Illinois, USA): A village in Illinois noted for its agricultural roots and community-oriented events.
  • Bethany Village (Ontario, Canada): A quaint village in Ontario known for its scenic views and outdoor recreational activities.

Similar Names to Bethany

Sibling Names for Bethany

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