Belen
Belen is a girl name of Spanish origin meaning “Bethlehem”, pronounced beh-LEN. It ranked #785 in the United States in 2025, given to 345 babies, and peaked at #671 in 2024. Common nicknames: Bele, Bel, Beli.
How popular is Belen in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Belen mean, and where does it come from?
Belén is the Spanish name for Bethlehem, and in Spanish-speaking countries it is also the word for a nativity scene — the model stable that families set out at Christmas. As a given name it honours Nuestra Señora de Belén, Our Lady of Bethlehem, and it is common in Spain, Argentina and Mexico, often for girls born in December. The Hebrew behind the place name is Beit Lehem, "house of bread." In the United States the name has been recorded since the early twentieth century among Spanish-speaking families and reached the top thousand in 2000, usually written without the accent.
Variations & Nicknames
Variations
Nicknames
Famous People Named Belen
- Belén Rodríguez — Argentine-Italian television presenter and model
- Belén Esteban — Spanish television personality
Similar Names to Belen
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Sibling Name Ideas for Belen
Looking for names that pair well with Belen? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Belen mean?
Belen is a girl name of Spanish origin meaning "Bethlehem." Belén is the Spanish name for Bethlehem, and in Spanish-speaking countries it is also the word for a nativity scene — the model stable that families set out at Christmas. As a given name it honours Nuestra Señora de Belén, Our Lady of Bethlehem, and it is common in Spain, Argentina and Mexico, often for girls born in December.
How do you pronounce Belen?
Belen is pronounced beh-LEN. Common variations include Belén, Bethlehem, Belem.
Is Belen a girl name?
Yes, Belen is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Bele, Bel, Beli.