Find out how popular the first name Bilen has been for the last 11 years (from 2011 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bilen by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Bilen is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Bilen.

The history of the first name Bilen

The name Bilen originates from the Tigrinya language, which is spoken primarily in Eritrea and parts of Ethiopia. Tigrinya is an Afro-Asiatic language closely related to Amharic and Arabic. The name Bilen is believed to have its roots in the ancient Ge'ez language, one of the oldest Semitic languages used in the region.

In Tigrinya, the name Bilen is thought to derive from the word "bilena," which means "to ripen" or "to mature." This suggests that the name may have been given to children as a symbol of growth, development, and the journey toward adulthood. Alternatively, some scholars suggest that Bilen could be related to the Tigrinya word "bil," meaning "heart" or "soul," implying a connection to inner strength and character.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Bilen can be traced back to medieval times in the region now known as Eritrea and Ethiopia. However, it is important to note that written records from this period are scarce, and the precise origins of the name remain somewhat uncertain.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Bilen. One of the earliest recorded examples is Bilen Habte (c. 1450 – c. 1520), a Ge'ez scholar and priest who is credited with translating several religious texts from Arabic to Ge'ez. Another historical figure is Bilen Abai (c. 1650 – c. 1720), a renowned military leader and strategist who played a significant role in defending the region against foreign invasions.

In more recent times, Bilen Seyoum (1936 – 2018) was a prominent Eritrean politician and diplomat who served as the first Prime Minister of Eritrea after the country gained independence in 1993. Bilen Gebrehiwet (born 1978) is a contemporary Eritrean long-distance runner who has represented his country in numerous international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Additionally, Bilen Mekonnen (born 1984) is an Ethiopian-born Swedish artist and musician known for his fusion of traditional Ethiopian music with modern genres. His work has received critical acclaim and has helped to introduce Eritrean and Ethiopian cultures to a wider international audience.

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

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

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