Girl · 940th of 35,406
Belen
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
12,019
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2024
Peak Popularity Year
430
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Belen stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Belen is a Spanish name that originates from the word for Bethlehem, meaning 'house of bread'. It evolved from the Latin form of the biblical town name. The name is associated with the nativity and has gained popularity in Spanish-speaking cultures due to its religious significance. Traits often attributed to the name include kindness and warmth, and it is recognized for its historical and cultural relevance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/bəˈlɛn/
Origin
Spanish
Etymology
The name Belen is derived from the Spanish word for 'Bethlehem', which means 'house of bread'. It is often used in reference to the biblical town where Jesus was born.
Meaning
house of bread
Language Evolution
Bethlehem (Latin: Bethlehem), Belen (Spanish)
Biblical Background
Belen is associated with the biblical town of Bethlehem, significant for its role in the nativity story of Jesus.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in Spanish-speaking countries, especially during the 20th century, as a result of its religious significance.
Variants & Derivatives
Belén, Belenus
Modern Popularity & Image
Belen is perceived as a traditional and religious name, often associated with kindness and warmth.
Famous People
Belen Rodriguez (Argentine showgirl), Belen Esteban (Spanish television personality)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 430 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 32 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 2 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9449th of 16616 | 38 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 16086th of 24088 | 25 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 17702nd of 23106 | 16 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1987th of 9107 | 324 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1717th of 9204 | 407 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1958th of 12526 | 585 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1992nd of 19264 | 700 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1395th of 27321 | 1,719 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 940th of 35406 | 4,180 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 816th of 30306 | 4,025 |