Given name & surname
Bethel
“of the house of God”·“the house of God”
Bethel is used as a given name and a surname. Interpretations include “of the house of God” (Hebrew) and “the house of God” (Hebrew). These may reflect different naming traditions.
Meaning & origin
What it means
Interpretations include “of the house of God” (Hebrew) and “the house of God” (Hebrew). These may reflect different naming traditions.
Where it comes from
An origin associated with this spelling is Hebrew.
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1890. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin.
From dated birth records
Bethel through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 6,237
- 1,016 boys · 5,221 girls
- Most popular year
- 1922
- 150 babies
- 2025
- 51
- #3,406 for girls · #10,867 for boys
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- −31%
- Easing
Boys, girls and both
The balance of boys and girls given this name has shifted over time. Recent births are 4% boys.
Where it’s given
By the numbers
In 2025, this name appeared in 45 U.S. birth records for girls, ranking No. 3,406 among girls’ names. Average annual use for girls was 30.8% lower in 2021–2025 than in 2016–2020. Its largest published annual count for girls was 119 in 1922. It also appeared in 6 birth records for boys in 2025. In 2025, Ohio had the largest reported state-level birth count for girls with this name (5). Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 2,849 as a first name in 2020; 7,115 as a surname in 2020.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
Bethel’s family of names
Bethel has a related form in Betuel. Bethel has a related form in Bethele. Bethel has a related form in Bethelea.
The ring: nicknames and forms.
Nicknames & forms 18
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
See also 4
Names our sources mention alongside this one. They are related in story or meaning, not forms of this name.
Similar names
If you love Bethel, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Ethel
“a noble woman” · “one who is noble”
>99% girls
Rena
“one who sings a joyous song”
>99% girls
Alva
“one who has a fair complexion” · “a bright man”
24% boys · 76% girls
Ardith
“from the field of flowers”
2% boys · 98% girls
Bernice
“one who brings victory”
>99% girls
Bertha
“one who is famously bright and beautiful”
>99% girls
Jewel
“one who is playful; resembling a precious gem”
4% boys · 96% girls
Estell
Estell is a surname.
12% boys · 88% girls