Name profile

GirlAramaic language family

Bethany

This name comes from the name of a biblical town, Βηθανία in Greek, which is probably of Aramaic or Hebrew origin, possibly meaning "house of affliction" or "house of figs".

Quick answer

Bethany is a girl name.

GenderGirl
Language familyAramaic

Meaning and history

This name comes from the name of a biblical town, Βηθανία (Bethania) in Greek, which is probably of Aramaic or Hebrew origin, possibly meaning "house of affliction" or "house of figs". In the New Testament the town of Bethany is the home of Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha. It has been in use as a rare given name in the English-speaking world since the 19th century, in honour of Mary of Bethany. In America it became moderately common after the 1950s.

Notes and context

Usage: english