MallowbyNames

Bethani

BETH-uh-nee · Variant of Bethany, meaning 'house of figs' or 'house of affliction' in Aramaic.

Peak popularity
1988
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1995

Declining since 1995.

Popularity of Bethani since 1967

Babies named Bethani per year in U.S. Social Security records.

153146198020002020Most births 1988Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s18
1970s102
1980s235
1990s350
2000s252
2010s63
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Bethani is a modern spelling variant of the biblical name Bethany, which derives from a village mentioned in the New Testament. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1967, and its usage grew steadily, reaching a peak in 1988. However, after 1995, its popularity began a steady decline, reflecting broader trends in naming preferences. While it has never been among the most common names, it enjoyed moderate use during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Bethani's spelling distinguishes it from the more traditional Bethany, offering a slightly different look while retaining the same pronunciation and meaning. The name's trajectory suggests it is a choice associated with a particular era, seldom given to children in the 2020s.

Bethani is a spelling variant of Bethany, a name derived from the biblical village of Bethany (Aramaic Beit Anyā, meaning 'house of figs' or 'house of affliction'). The name was popularized in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, particularly from the 1970s onward, as an alternative to the more standard spelling. It experienced a peak in the late 1980s and has since declined in use.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Beth, Ani

Variants: Bethany, Bethanie, Bethani

Sibling names for Bethani

Names that share Bethani's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

B is for Bethani, our favorite little girl.

B is for Bethani…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Bethani's letter becomes Bethani's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Bethani's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Bethani mean?
Bethani is a variant of Bethany, which is traditionally understood to mean 'house of figs' or 'house of affliction' from the Aramaic place name in the Bible.
How popular is the name Bethani?
Bethani first appeared in U.S. records in 1967, peaked in 1988, and has been declining since 1995. It did not rank in the top 1000 names in the latest year of data.
Is Bethani a girl's name?
Yes, Bethani is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.