Bethany is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. It comes from the Hebrew word "bethaniah," which means "house of figs." The name Bethany is typically associated with the town of Bethany in the New Testament of the Bible, where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. However, it is important to note that the name itself does not have a direct religious connotation and can be used by people of any faith or no faith at all.
The name Bethany has been popular throughout history and has appeared in various forms in different cultures. In some cases, it has been shortened to Beth or Bette. In other instances, it has inspired variations such as Bethanie, Bethel, and Bethana.
Today, Bethany continues to be a well-liked and widely used name for girls around the world. It is often associated with warmth, kindness, and hospitality, possibly due to its roots meaning "house of figs," which symbolizes abundance and generosity. Ultimately, however, each person named Bethany brings their own unique qualities and experiences to the name, making it a versatile and multifaceted choice for a child's moniker.
The name Bethany has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the early years from 1915 to 1926, there were fewer than 20 births per year with the name Bethany. However, by the late 1940s and early 1950s, this number began to increase significantly.
In 1948, there were 71 births with the name Bethany, and in 1949, that number rose to 96. This trend continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, reaching a peak of 1042 births in 1973.
The popularity of the name Bethany peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with over 2000 births per year. The highest number of births was recorded in 1980, with a total of 2497 babies named Bethany.
However, after reaching this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, there were fewer than 3000 births per year with the name Bethany. This downward trend has continued into recent years, with only 389 births in 2023.
Overall, while the name Bethany has seen periods of significant popularity, it is no longer as commonly used as it once was. Despite this decline, there are still many people named Bethany living in the United States today, reflecting its earlier popularity.