Bethan is a name of Welsh origin and it means "little" in English. It is derived from the Welsh word "beth", which translates to "small". Bethan is also associated with the figure of Saint Beith, who was one of the four mythical daughters of Mannanan mac Lir, the sea god in Irish mythology.
The name Bethan has a long history and it has been used for centuries by the Welsh people. It was particularly popular during the Victorian era, when many English families adopted Welsh names for their children. Today, Bethan is still widely used in Wales and other parts of the United Kingdom, but it is also gaining popularity around the world as more people become interested in unique and meaningful names.
Bethan is a beautiful name that carries with it a sense of simplicity and elegance. It is short enough to be easily remembered, yet long enough to have a certain sophistication. Whether you're looking for a name that honors your Welsh heritage or simply want a unique and memorable name for your child, Bethan is an excellent choice.
The name Bethan has been a relatively uncommon choice for parents in the United States over the past few decades, with a total of 89 babies given this name since 1981. The most popular years for the name were 1988 and 1992, with 9 and 7 births respectively. However, there have been several years where only 5 babies were named Bethan, including 2004, 2008, and 2012. Despite its rarity, the name Bethan has maintained a consistent presence in the U.S., with at least one baby being given this name every year from 1981 to 2012, except for 1982, 1983, and 1985. This steady yet small number of births suggests that Bethan is a name that some parents choose for its uniqueness, while still wanting it to be recognizable. Overall, these statistics demonstrate the steady but limited popularity of the name Bethan in the United States over time.