Bethel is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "bet 'el", which translates to "house of God". The name Bethel has a rich history and significant meaning in biblical literature.
In the Old Testament, Bethel is mentioned as the place where Jacob had his dream of a ladder reaching up to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. After this vision, Jacob named that place Bethel and went on to build an altar there. This story emphasizes the significance of Bethel as a sacred location and a testament to God's presence.
The name Bethel was later used as a personal name in some biblical narratives. For example, one of the sons of Abraham by his concubine Keturah is named Behtel (or Bethuel) in Genesis 25:2. This further establishes the name Bethel's connection to Jewish and biblical culture.
In modern times, Bethel has become more popular as a given name for both boys and girls, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States. While its meaning remains rooted in Hebrew tradition, Bethel has evolved into a unisex name with a unique sound that sets it apart from other names of similar origin.
In conclusion, Bethel is an uncommon yet meaningful name with deep biblical roots. Its Hebrew origins give it a rich historical context, while its unique sound and spelling make it stand out among other names today. Whether chosen for its religious significance or simply for its distinctiveness, the name Bethel carries a powerful message of divine presence and connection to God's house.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Bethel has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States.
The earliest recorded year for the name Bethel is 1890, with a total of 6 births that year. The popularity of the name increased gradually during the late 1800s and early 1900s, peaking at 116 births in 1917.
However, after this peak, the popularity of the name Bethel began to decline. Between 1923 and 1952, there were fewer than 30 births per year on average. The lowest point occurred in 1953, with only 19 births recorded that year.
Interestingly, the name Bethel experienced a resurgence in popularity starting from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, with an average of around 20 births per year during this period. However, it once again declined in popularity, with fewer than 15 births recorded annually between 1974 and 1983.
Since then, the name Bethel has maintained a steady but low level of popularity, with fewer than 50 births recorded each year until 2016. After 2016, there was an increase in its popularity, with over 50 births recorded annually up until 2023.
In total, there have been 5134 recorded births of the name Bethel in the United States since 1890. While it has not been one of the most popular names throughout history, it has maintained a consistent presence and has seen periods of increased popularity over time.