Girl · 106th of 27,321
Bethany
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
100,718
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1987
Peak Popularity Year
3,307
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Bethany stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Bethany has its origins in Hebrew, meaning 'house of figs.' It evolved through Greek and Latin before becoming established in English. It is linked to biblical narratives, particularly in the New Testament, enhancing its significance. The name is often associated with traits of warmth and hospitality. Bethany has historical roots that date back to early Christian times, contributing to its continued relevance today.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈbɛθəni/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Bethany derives from the Hebrew word 'Beth Anya,' which means 'house of figs.' It is also associated with the biblical town located near Jerusalem.
Meaning
house of figs
Language Evolution
Hebrew: Beth Anya, Greek: Βηθανία (Bēthanía), Latin: Bethania, Old English: Bethany
Biblical Background
The name is significant in the New Testament as it is the name of a village where Jesus visited and performed miracles.
Historical Usage
Bethany gained popularity in the early Christian era due to its biblical associations and has remained in use throughout history.
Variants & Derivatives
Beth, Bethie, Bethan
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Bethany is perceived as a classic and gentle name, often associated with warmth and hospitality.
Famous People
Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer and motivational speaker, Bethany Joy Lenz, an American actress and musician
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
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,307 peak births in 1987
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Rhode Island
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 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6142nd of 10718 | 40 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5484th of 16616 | 124 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 17241st of 24088 | 20 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3202nd of 9107 | 146 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1763rd of 9204 | 389 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 765th of 12526 | 3,170 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 262nd of 19264 | 17,094 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 106th of 27321 | 47,172 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 203rd of 35406 | 25,467 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 529th of 30306 | 7,096 |