Bethany
Bethany: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbɛθəni/
Meaning and origin of Bethany
- A female given name from Aramaic, transferred use of the biblical place name.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek Βηθανία (Bēthanía), from Aramaic בית עניא (beth anya, “house of wretchedness”). This etymology is highly disputed; see Bethany.
How popular is Bethany?
Since 1880, 100,902 girls and 184 boys in the U.S. have been named Bethany (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #87 in 1987. Its highest rank for boys was #3249 in 1983. In 2025 it ranked #752 for girls, with 362 babies given the name.
Names similar to Bethany
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Aramaic girl names
Sibling name ideas for Bethany
Sister and brother names that share Bethany's Aramaic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Bethany FAQ
What does the name Bethany mean?
A female given name from Aramaic, transferred use of the biblical place name. From Ancient Greek Βηθανία (Bēthanía), from Aramaic בית עניא (beth anya, “house of wretchedness”). This etymology is highly disputed; see Bethany.
What is the origin of the name Bethany?
Bethany is listed as a name of Aramaic origin.
How popular is the name Bethany?
Since 1880, 100,902 girls and 184 boys in the U.S. have been named Bethany (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #87 in 1987. Its highest rank for boys was #3249 in 1983. In 2025 it ranked #752 for girls, with 362 babies given the name.
Is Bethany a boy or girl name?
Bethany is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 100,902 girls and 184 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.