Bethlehem

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

Names Ending in MLong NamesThree Syllable Names
Generate more names like BethlehemCompare with other namesFind similar names
How to pronounce the name Bethlehem
Pronunciation guide for Bethlehem
ARPA
B EH1 TH L IH0 HH EH2 M
IPA
ˈbɛθlɪˌhɛm

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Bethlehem

Syllables (3)

B EH1 TH L IH0 HH EH2 M

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

B
bee (b)
EH1
Ed (ɛ)
TH
theta (θ)
L
lee (l)
IH0
it (ɪ)
HH
he (h)
EH2
Ed (ɛ)
M
me (m)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

ˈbɛθlɪˌhɛm

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• Bethlehem has 3 syllables. Take your time with each part.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

• Contains sounds that may be challenging for non-native speakers.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Bethlehem

Structure

Character Count
9
Syllable Count
3
Vowel Ratio
33%
Name Family
bethl

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty9/10

May be challenging for some

International Friendliness9/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name Bethlehem
Unique character and personality of the name Bethlehem

Name Personality

The Elegant
Elegant
Sophisticated
Formal

Key Characteristics

Length
Long

Distinctive and formal

Rhythm
Melodic

Rich and expressive

Sound
Strong

Consonant-rich and crisp

Ease
Complex

Challenging pronunciation

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
bethl

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

e×3
h×2
b×1

Most frequent letters in Bethlehem

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
3 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Difficult
9/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
9/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does Bethlehem compare to the average name?

Bethlehem9/10 😬
9.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

Bethlehem is harder than average by 4.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)← Bethlehem
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to Bethlehem (root: bethl)

Current Name

Bethlehem

Related Names (15)

Short variations:

Beth
Betha

Medium variations:

Bethal
Bethan
Bethane
Bethanee
Bethaney
Bethani
Bethania
Bethanie
Bethann
Bethanne

Long variations:

Beth-anne
Bethan-rose
Bethanney

Bethlehem belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.

What does the name Bethlehem mean?
The meaning and origin of Bethlehem
Historical Reference

noun 1. a town in eastern Pennsylvania on the Lehigh River to the northwest of Philadelphia; an important center for steel production

Historical Reference

noun 2. a small town near Jerusalem on the West Bank of the Jordan River; early home of David and regarded as the place where Jesus was born

Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Bethlehem's meanings

Primary Theme

📖
Descriptive

Based on origin, place, or historical context

Theme Distribution

Natural
1
Descriptive
1

Key Themes

lehigh
river
river;
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Bethlehem

Life Path Number

6
The Nurturer

Compassionate souls who find fulfillment in caring for others and creating harmony.

Caring
Responsible
Protective
Harmonious

Most Common Letters

e×3
h×2
b×1
t×1
l×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
3(33%)
Consonants
6(67%)

Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong

Numerology Breakdown

b2
e5
t2
h8
l3
e5
h8
e5
m4

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Bethlehem
Famous individuals named Bethlehem

No notable people named Bethlehem are currently in our database.

How popular is the name Bethlehem?
Popularity rankings for Bethlehem around the world

The name Bethlehem has no ranking data available.

Parents who like Bethlehem also like these names
Names similar to Bethlehem in style, sound, and origin
BethBeth-anneBethaBethalBethanBethan-roseBethaneBethaneeBethaneyBethaniBethaniaBethanieBethannBethanneBethanneyBethanniBethannieBethannyBethanyBethany-Bethany-annBethany-anneBethany-jadeBethany-janeBethany-jayneBethany-joBethany-louiseBethany-maeBethany-maiBethany-may
What words rhyme with the name Bethlehem?
Rhyming words for Bethlehem
compuchem
diadem
diltiazem
ibm
mayhem
medchem
raychem

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Bethlehem?
IPA: /ˈbɛθlɪˌhɛm/ ARPA: B EH1 TH L IH0 HH EH2 M This name may be challenging for some to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem has 3 syllables.
Is Bethlehem easy to pronounce?
Bethlehem can be challenging to pronounce. It contains sound combinations that may be unfamiliar to many people.
Is Bethlehem easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Bethlehem is extremely international-friendly (9/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
What names are similar to Bethlehem?
Names similar to Bethlehem include: Beth, Beth-anne, Betha, Bethal, Bethan. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Bethlehem a good baby name?
Bethlehem is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Bethlehem a boy or girl name?
Bethlehem can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Bethlehem?
The name is spelled B-e-t-h-l-e-h-e-m. Common spelling variations include: Beth, Beth-anne, Betha.
What are common nicknames for Bethlehem?
Common nicknames for Bethlehem include: Bet, Bethy, Betie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Bethlehem mean?
The name Bethlehem has multiple meaningful interpretations. Primary meanings include "Bethlehem n 1: a town in eastern Pennsylvania on the Lehigh River to the northwest of Philadelphia; an important center for steel production 2: a small town near Jerusalem on the West Bank of the Jordan River; early home of David and regarded as the place where Jesus was born [syn: {Bethlehem}, {Bayt Lahm}, {Bethlehem Ephrathah}, {Bethlehem-Judah}]" and "Bethlehem /bətləhəm/ Bethlehem". This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Bethlehem?
Middle names that pair well with Bethlehem include: James, Rose, Grace. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Bethlehem?
Sibling names that pair well with Bethlehem include: Beth, Beth-anne, Betha, Bethal. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Bethlehem?
Bethlehem has challenging pronunciation that may be difficult for some teachers and adults. You'll likely need to provide pronunciation guidance regularly. Consider whether you're comfortable correcting mispronunciations frequently, or if you prefer a more phonetically obvious name.
What culture is the name Bethlehem from?
Bethlehem has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Bethlehem suitable for a professional career?
Bethlehem works well professionally - it's internationally friendly for global careers. While name perception exists, professional success depends primarily on skills, work ethic, and personal qualities rather than name choice.
Is Bethlehem a long or short name?
Bethlehem is a medium-length name with 9 letters (3 syllables). Medium-length names offer a good balance - substantial enough to feel complete, but not overly long for forms and documents.
What are common misspellings of Bethlehem?
Common spelling variations of Bethlehem include: none - this name has a straightforward spelling. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Bethlehem and Beth?
Bethlehem and Beth are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Bethlehem is spelled Bethlehem while Beth is spelled Beth. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.