The name Bethsaida is of Hebrew origin and has a rich historical significance. It is derived from two Hebrew words: "beth" which means "house" or "home", and "saida" which means "fishing". Therefore, the meaning of Bethsaida is "house of fishing" or "home by the fish".
Bethsaida was an actual town in ancient Palestine, located near the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is mentioned several times in the New Testament of the Bible as being the hometown of two of Jesus Christ's apostles, Philip and Andrew. The town was also where Jesus performed one of his most famous miracles, the feeding of the 5000 (John 6:1-14).
According to biblical accounts, Bethsaida was a place of great significance for Jesus' ministry. It is here that he chose some of his apostles and performed many miracles. The town is also mentioned in relation to the healing of a blind man's sight by Jesus (Mark 8:22-26).
The name Bethsaida, therefore, carries a deep religious and historical significance for Christians worldwide. It is a name that has been passed down through generations and continues to be used today as a unique and meaningful choice for baby girls. Despite its rich history, however, the name Bethsaida remains relatively uncommon, making it a distinctive option for those seeking a name with profound meaning and heritage.
The name Bethsaida has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth was in 1957 with 8 occurrences. This number fluctuated annually, with peaks of 18 births in 2005 and 11 births in both 2014 and 2023. Conversely, there were years where only 5 babies were named Bethsaida, such as in 2020.
Over time, the name has gained traction, with a total of 348 births recorded between 1957 and 2023. The most recent data shows that in 2022, there were 9 births, indicating a steady presence of the name Bethsaida among new arrivals. Despite its ups and downs, this unique name has maintained a consistent level of usage over several decades in the United States.