Rising since 1985, #785 for girls today.
Popularity of Belen since 1909
Babies named Belen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 8 |
| 1910s | 108 |
| 1920s | 272 |
| 1930s | 232 |
| 1940s | 221 |
| 1950s | 296 |
| 1960s | 326 |
| 1970s | 491 |
| 1980s | 849 |
| 1990s | 1,471 |
| 2000s | 2,777 |
| 2010s | 3,108 |
| 2020s | 2,128 |
Meaning & origin
Belen is the Spanish name for Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, and has been in use in the United States since at least 1909. It has risen steadily in popularity since 1985, reaching its peak rank of 785 in the latest year of data (2025). That year, about 1 in every 4,659 newborn girls was named Belen. The name is most common in Oregon, Arizona, and Maryland, reflecting concentrations of Spanish-speaking populations. Its religious resonance and melodic sound have cemented it as a distinctive yet accessible choice for families seeking a name with cultural and spiritual depth.
Belen is the Spanish form of Bethlehem, a place name from the Hebrew meaning 'house of bread.' The name has strong religious significance as the traditional birthplace of Jesus, and it has been used as a given name in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly among Catholic families, for centuries.
Where Belen is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Belen” around the world
Where Belen lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bela, Leni
Sibling names for Belen
Names that share Belen's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Belen
Names whose popularity has moved with Belen's over the last 50 years.
