Bethany
Bethany Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈbɛθ.ə.ni/
Meaning of Bethany: Bethany is an English form of the Greek Bethania, from the Hebrew/Aramaic Beit Teʼenah meaning “house of figs” or alternatively Beit Anya (“house of Ananiah” or “house of the poor”).
Bethany was a village near Jerusalem where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and where Mary and Martha lived.
The biblical significance of the village gave the place name strong devotional meaning in Christian tradition. Mary of Bethany, who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, is one of the New Testament’s most memorable female figures.
What Does Bethany Mean? Origin & Etymology
Bethany peaked at No. 87 in 1987 with 3,294 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 727 with 386 births, well below its 1980s peak.
Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton (born 1990), who survived a shark attack at age 13 and returned to competitive surfing, is the name’s most prominent contemporary bearer. The 2011 film Soul Surfer documented her story.
Three syllables—BETH-uh-nee—feel warm and open. The familiar Beth- opening and the feminine -ny ending give it a soft, approachable character.
Parents who choose Bethany are often drawn to its biblical depth—a place name transformed into a personal name, carrying the landscape of the Gospels into a modern context.
Related names include Beth, Elizabeth, and Bethania—though Bethany shares only a phonetic connection to Elizabeth; the two are etymologically unrelated.
How Popular Is Bethany?
Numerology & Symbolism of Bethany
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Bethany – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bethany
What does the name Bethany mean?
The name Bethany carries roots in Aramaic and reflects the naming values of that cultural tradition. The precise meaning connects to concepts meaningful in its source language and culture.
How popular is the name Bethany in the United States?
According to SSA records, Bethany ranked #727 for girl names in the United States, with 386 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2024. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Bethany come from?
The name Bethany comes from Aramaic. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of Aramaic-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a girl’s name across the English-speaking world.