Origin, Meaning, And History Of Bethany
Bethany means “house of affliction” or “house of figs” and is most likely to be of Hebrew or Aramaic origin. It is a feminine given name taken from the place name Bethany in the Bible. According to the New Testament of the Bible, it is the village near Jerusalem and at the base of the Mount Of Olives where Lazarus lived with his sisters Mary and Martha. It is also said that before His crucifixion, Jesus remained here during Holy Week.
English speakers have translated the Greek name Bethania as Bethany. Since the 19th century, it has been used as an uncommon given name throughout the English-speaking world, particularly by Catholics in remembrance of Mary of Bethany.
In English-speaking nations, the term has seen widespread use. It reached as high as the 11th most common name for girls in England and Wales in 1999 and the 59th most popular name for females in 2010. It peaked in popularity in 1987, when it was classified as the 87th most common girl’s name in the United States.
There are several variations of the name in different languages and cultures. A few examples include Betânia and Bethânia in Portuguese and Brazilian, Betania and Bethania in Spanish and Latin American, and other common versions such as Bethanie and Bethney.
Iron Woman, sometimes known as Bethany Cabe, is a fictional character in American comic books produced byMarvel Comics. David Michelinie and Bob Layton created the fictional being, and she is one of Iron Man’s supporting characters. Another fictitious character from the British ITV soap operaCoronation Streetis named Bethany Platt. She was portrayed by twins Amy and Emily Walton from 2000 until her departure on December 30, 2007, when Mia Cookson replaced her. In the Kevin Smith movieDogma, Linda Fiorentino plays Bethany Sloane. She was born in 1961 and was brought up to be a devoted Roman Catholic.
How To Pronounce Bethany?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Bethany in English.
Famous People With The Name Bethany
- Bethany BeardsleeAmerican soprano best known for her collaborations with some of the eminent 20th-century composers, such as Igor Stravinsky, Pierre Boulez, and Milton Babbitt
- Bethany Anne LindAmerican stage and screen actor best known for her roles in Ozark, Reprisal, and Blood On Her Name
- Bethany Joy LenzAmerican actress, singer-songwriter, and filmmaker, known for playing the character of Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill
Bethany On Popularity Chart
Popularity Over Time
The name was pretty popular throughout the 1980s to early 2000. But it has dropped in popularity since 2010, with fewer babies sharing the name.
Source:Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
The name has not been at its best rank in the 21st century, but it has remained in the top 1000 names in the United States, with a recent high rank of 479 in 2018.
Source:Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Bethany
Many names are similar sounding to Bethany. So if you want to explore more options, here are some suggestions.
Popular Sibling Names For Bethany
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Bethany, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Bethany
Find matching brother names for Bethany and create a wonderful team of siblings.
Bahhath
Batholomew
Beathan
Beather
Bethuel
Bhoothanathan
Bithiah
Bithika
Bitthal
Booth
Girl Sibling Names For Bethany
Looking for some suitable sister names for Bethany? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
Baethan
Bethan
Bethanee
Bethania
Bethanie
Bethanni
Bethena
Buthainah
Buthayna
Buthaynah
Other Popular Names Beginning With B
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter B to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Bethany
If you prefer a different name with the same meaning as Bethany, take a look at some options below.
Infographic: Know The Name’s Personality As Per Numerology
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How To Communicate The Name In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
bethany
In Sign Language
bethany
In Braille Alphabet
bethany
In Morse Code
bethany
Name Numerology For Bethany
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Bethany?
The name Bethany means ‘house of figs.’.
2. What is the origin of the name Bethany?
Bethany has a Hebrew origin.
3. How to pronounce the name Bethany?
Bethany is pronounced as beth-ah-ny.
4. What middle names go with Bethany?
There are several name options that complement the name Bethany well. They includeIriswhich represents the rainbow,Clairemeaning ‘clarity’ and ‘brightness,’ andMae, meaning ‘mother,’ ‘greater,’ or ‘star of the sea.’ These names enhance the overall charm of the name Bethany.
5. What are some good nicknames for Bethany?
When it comes to nicknames for the name Bethany, there are several options to consider. They include Beth, Bethel, Betty, Annie, and Effie, among others.
6. How rare is the name Bethany?
Bethany is not considered a rare name. It has been in use for several decades and has maintained a moderate level of popularity. In the US, Bethany’s popularity peaked in 1987 with 3294 babies per million sharing the name (1).
7. Is Bethany a unisex name?
No, Bethany is a feminine name. It is traditionally associated with girls and is used for baby girls in many cultures.
8. Are there any biblical references to the name Bethany?
The name Bethany is often associated with the Greek town of Bethania. In the New Testament, Bethany is prominently featured as the residence of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. In the 1800s, the name Bethany gained usage as a given name among Catholics, serving as a tribute to Mary’s association with the town. This highlights the biblical significance of Bethany.
References:
- Popularity of name Bethany
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
