"house of figs"
Bethani
Bethani is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "house of figs." Ranked #22,846 in the US, popular nicknames include Beth, Beth, and Ani.
Biblical roots, modern warmth, timeless grace
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Meaning & Origin
"house of affliction"
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The Story of Bethani
Bethani is a phonetic variant spelling of Bethany, derived from the Hebrew 'Beit Hini' (בֵּית עֲנָיָה), traditionally translated as 'house of figs' or 'house of affliction.' In the New Testament, Bethany was the village near Jerusalem where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus — making it one of Christianity's most significant place names. The '-i' ending gives this classic name a fresh, contemporary feel while preserving its deep spiritual heritage.
Bethany peaked in English-speaking countries during the 1980s and 1990s, partly through its gentle sound and partly through the Christian community's affinity for biblical place names. The Bethani spelling emerged as a modern variant.
Bethany holds special significance in Christianity as the site of the resurrection of Lazarus and Jesus's anointing — a place of miracles and intimate friendship. The name carries warmth and faith.
Historical Record
Bethani first appeared in US Social Security records in 1967.
Over 1,020 babies have been named Bethani in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Bethani is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #22,846 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The biblical Bethany was located about 2 miles east of Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives
- Bethany Hamilton, the professional surfer who lost her arm to a shark at 13 and continued competing, brought the name global recognition
- In Welsh culture, Bethany (and variants) gained popularity through Nonconformist Christian traditions that favored biblical names
Bethani in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Bethani
Bethany Hamilton
Athlete
1990
Professional surfer who famously returned to competition after losing her arm in a shark attack at age 13
Bethany Joy Lenz
Actor
1981
American actress and singer known for her role in One Tree Hill
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #22,846
- Total SSA Count
- 7
- Cultural Origins
- English Welsh American Christian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bethani
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About the Name Bethani
Bethani is a girl name with English, Welsh, American, and Christian origins . The name means "house of figs" in Hebrew .
Bethani is currently ranked #22,846 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Bethani has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Bethani include Beth, Beth, Ani, and Thani. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Bethani include Bethany, Beth, Bethel . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis