Bethel is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "bet 'el", which translates to "house of God". The name Bethel has a rich history and significant meaning in biblical literature.
In the Old Testament, Bethel is mentioned as the place where Jacob had his dream of a ladder reaching up to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. After this vision, Jacob named that place Bethel and went on to build an altar there. This story emphasizes the significance of Bethel as a sacred location and a testament to God's presence.
The name Bethel was later used as a personal name in some biblical narratives. For example, one of the sons of Abraham by his concubine Keturah is named Behtel (or Bethuel) in Genesis 25:2. This further establishes the name Bethel's connection to Jewish and biblical culture.
In modern times, Bethel has become more popular as a given name for both boys and girls, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States. While its meaning remains rooted in Hebrew tradition, Bethel has evolved into a unisex name with a unique sound that sets it apart from other names of similar origin.
In conclusion, Bethel is an uncommon yet meaningful name with deep biblical roots. Its Hebrew origins give it a rich historical context, while its unique sound and spelling make it stand out among other names today. Whether chosen for its religious significance or simply for its distinctiveness, the name Bethel carries a powerful message of divine presence and connection to God's house.
The name Bethel experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, it had several peaks of popularity, with around 70-120 births per year between 1890 and 1923. However, after 1925, there was a steady decline in its usage until the 1960s, reaching as low as single digits some years.
From the 1970s onwards, Bethel's popularity started to rise again, with fluctuations between around 10-40 births per year. The most recent data shows a peak in 2015 and 2016 with 70 and 79 births respectively, indicating that while it may not be among the most popular names currently, it is still being used with some frequency.
In total, over the period from 1890 to 2023, there were 5134 recorded births with the name Bethel.