Find out how popular the first name Bethlehem has been for the last 40 years (from 1985 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bethlehem by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Bethlehem is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Bethlehem.

The history of the first name Bethlehem

The given name Bethlehem has its origins rooted in the ancient Semitic languages, specifically Hebrew and Aramaic. It traces back to the town of Bethlehem, located in the Palestinian territories. The name itself is a combination of two words: "Beit," meaning "house," and "Lechem," meaning "bread." Thus, the name Bethlehem translates to "House of Bread."

The town of Bethlehem holds significant religious and historical importance. In the Christian tradition, it is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the biblical accounts of the Gospels. This association has contributed to the name's enduring presence in various cultures and its adoption by many individuals throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Bethlehem can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible. The Book of Ruth, dated around the 6th century BCE, mentions Bethlehem as the hometown of Naomi and her family. Additionally, the prophet Micah, who lived in the 8th century BCE, prophesied that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem.

Moving forward in history, Bethlehem appears in various ancient texts and records. The Roman historian Josephus, writing in the 1st century CE, referred to Bethlehem as a village in his works. The name also appears in early Christian writings, such as the apocryphal Gospel of James, which describes the birth of Mary in Bethlehem.

Several notable individuals have borne the name Bethlehem throughout history. One of the earliest recorded was Bethlehem the Illuminator (c. 330-420 CE), an Armenian monk and theologian who played a crucial role in the development of Armenian Christianity. Another prominent figure was Bethlehem of Ferrara (c. 1260-1325), an Italian Franciscan nun known for her mystical visions and writings.

In the realm of literature, Bethlehem features in the works of renowned authors. The English poet and clergyman George Herbert (1593-1633) wrote a poem titled "The Bag" that includes the line "Yet let him go, and spend his ill'paid breath, / In ruined souls, deeper than Bethlehem's bread." Additionally, the American poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) made reference to Bethlehem in his work "The Adirondacs."

Other notable individuals with the name Bethlehem include Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu (born 1986), an Ethiopian businesswoman and entrepreneur, and Bethlehem Ayalew Abebe (born 1988), an Ethiopian politician and diplomat. These examples demonstrate the name's enduring presence across diverse cultures and time periods.

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 Bethlehem was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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