Eben is a unique and distinctive name of Hebrew origin. It means "stone" in Hebrew, which gives it a solid and robust connotation. The name Ebenezer is also derived from the same root, meaning "stone of help." However, Eben is not as commonly associated with this meaning, as it is often considered more of a personal name rather than a biblical one.
The name Eben has a long history, although it may not be as well-known as some other names of Hebrew origin. It first appears in the Bible, specifically in the Book of 1 Samuel. Ebenezer, which is the full form of Eben, is used there to represent the stone that Samuel sets up after defeating the Philistines at Mizpah. This stone serves as a reminder of God's help and protection.
In more recent times, the name Eben has been used in popular culture. For instance, it was the name of a character in the television series "Lost," played by actor Zachary Levi. This may have contributed to its increased visibility and recognition among modern audiences.
Overall, Eben is an uncommon but appealing name with a strong Hebrew heritage. Its meaning as "stone" lends it a sense of durability and steadfastness, making it a fitting choice for those seeking a distinctive and meaningful name.
The name Eben has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century and a half, with periods of relative obscurity followed by peaks of usage. The highest number of births recorded was in 1976, with 44 babies named Eben, while there were no recorded births with this name between 1881 and 1891, nor from 1930 to 1952. There has been a steady decline in the popularity of the name since around the year 2000, with recent years showing significantly fewer births compared to previous decades.