Belen is a feminine given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "belen," which means " Bethlehem." The name is often associated with the town in Palestine where Jesus Christ was born, as it is traditionally believed to be the site of his birth.
The name Belen has been used for centuries and is particularly popular in Spain and Latin America. It was commonly given to girls who were born around Christmas time or who were baptized on Christmas Day. The name is also associated with the Catholic tradition of setting up a nativity scene, known as a "belen," during the Christmas season.
In some cases, Belen may be used as a surname rather than a given name. It can be found among families with Spanish or Sephardic Jewish origins.
Despite its clear connection to Christianity and the holiday season, the name Belen does not have any specific religious or spiritual connotations beyond that association. It is simply a name that has been passed down through generations and continues to be popular today.
Overall, Belen is a unique and meaningful name with deep historical roots. Its association with Bethlehem gives it a sense of ancient significance, while its continued use in modern times makes it feel relevant and timeless.
The name Belen has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century, with a total of 11,506 births recorded between 1909 and 2023. While there were only a handful of births each year at the beginning of the 20th century, the number began to rise steadily from the 1940s onwards. The name reached its peak popularity in recent years, with over 390 births recorded in 2022 alone. Despite some fluctuations, it appears that Belen has consistently been a popular choice for parents in recent decades.