Bethlehem

Meaning of Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, derived from bēt-leḥem meaning “house of bread,” and originally assigned to the Judean town renowned in biblical tradition as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Pronounced /ˈbɛθlɪhɛm/ in English, the name maintains a technically transparent profile within the Anglo-American naming repertoire. U.S. Social Security data indicate modest but steady usage: after recording 5 occurrences (rank 794) in 1985, it peaked at 24 (rank 930) in 2015 and most recently appeared 10 times (rank 940) in 2024, consistently occupying positions between 800 and 1000. This pattern reflects a stable niche preference among female newborn names, often chosen by parents who value unambiguous etymology and historical resonance without gravitating toward more common variants. Its precise meaning and direct biblical association make Bethlehem an analytically grounded choice for families seeking heritage and clarity in a single name.

Pronunciation

English

• Pronunced as beth-li-hem (/ˈbɛθlɪhɛm/)

• Bethany
• Bethsaida
• Bethia
• Bethan
• Bethel