Bethany
Bethany is a girl name of Aramaic origin meaning “House of figs”, pronounced BETH-uh-nee. It ranked #752 in the United States in 2025, given to 362 babies, and peaked at #87 in 1987. Common nicknames: Beth, Bethy, Annie.
How popular is Bethany 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 Bethany mean, and where does it come from?
Bethany is a place before it is a person: the village on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived and where the Gospels put several of the last days of Jesus's life. The Aramaic behind it is usually read as beit anya, "house of figs," or "house of the poor." English-speaking families began using it as a given name in the nineteenth century, and it became genuinely popular in the 1980s, peaking at 87th in the United States in 1987 and higher still in Britain. It has settled since into steady use, with Beth as the everyday form.
How is Bethany used around the world?
Bethany is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Bethany?
Famous People Named Bethany
- Bethany Hamilton — American professional surfer who returned to competition after a shark attack
- Bethany Joy Lenz — American actress and singer
- Bethany Shriever — British BMX racer and Olympic champion
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Sibling Name Ideas for Bethany
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Bethany mean?
Bethany is a girl name of Aramaic origin meaning "House of figs." Bethany is a place before it is a person: the village on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived and where the Gospels put several of the last days of Jesus's life. The Aramaic behind it is usually read as beit anya, "house of figs," or "house of the poor.
How do you pronounce Bethany?
Bethany is pronounced BETH-uh-nee. Common variations include Bethanie, Bethani, Betania.
Is Bethany a girl name?
Yes, Bethany is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Beth, Bethy, Annie.