Find out how popular the first name Bethan has been for the last 32 years (from 1981 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bethan by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Bethan is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Bethan.

The history of the first name Bethan

Bethan is a Welsh given name derived from the word "bettyn" meaning "blessed" or "little blessed one". It has its roots in the ancient Celtic languages spoken in the region that is now Wales, dating back over a thousand years. The name was particularly popular among the Welsh gentry and nobility during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name was Bethan ferch Gwrgenau, a 13th century noblewoman from Powys, Wales. She was an influential figure in the Welsh Marches and played a role in the conflicts between the Welsh princes and the English crown during that turbulent period.

In the 15th century, Bethan Goch of Anglesey became known as the "Mother of Wales" for her role in preserving Welsh culture and language during the Tudor era. She established a school to teach traditional Welsh literature and bardic arts, helping to keep these traditions alive.

Another notable figure was Bethan Cadwaladr, a 16th century poet and singer from Denbighshire. Her bardic name was Bethan Brydydd, and she was renowned for her skill in composing intricate Welsh verse.

In the 17th century, Bethan Vaughan was a wealthy heiress from Carmarthenshire who used her fortune to support Welsh language education and the preservation of Welsh manuscripts.

Fast forward to the 19th century, and we find Bethan Lewis, a pioneering Welsh journalist and editor who founded the influential Welsh language magazine "Y Ffrydiau". She played a crucial role in promoting the use of the Welsh language in print media.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals who have borne the name Bethan throughout Welsh history, showcasing its enduring cultural significance and deep roots in the region.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Bethan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bethan, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!