Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Belen
GirlSpanish, Hebrew· “Bethlehem”
- Meaning
- Bethlehem
- Origin
- Spanish, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- beh-LEHN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #785
- US babies 2025
- 345
- Best rank
- #671 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Belen
Belen is a Spanish and Hebrew name that means “Bethlehem”.
Belén is the Spanish name for Bethlehem, the town in Judea honored in Christian tradition as the birthplace of Jesus. The Hebrew name Beit Lechem is usually explained as house of bread. As a given name Belén is used in Spain and across Latin America, where it evokes the Nativity, and in English it is usually written Belen. It has a soft, graceful sound with the stress on the second syllable. Belen suits families who want a name with spiritual meaning that is not one of the more common saint names.
Popularity over time
Belen first appears in US Social Security records in 1909. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 25 different years, starting in 2000. Its best national rank was #671 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 431 babies. In 2025, 345 babies were named Belen, and it ranked #785 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,714 in 1920, #1,551 in 1950, #1,767 in 1980, #937 in 2000, #872 in 2010, and #785 in 2025. Of the 12,287 US girls named Belen since records began, 25% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 2,777 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Taytum, Kaeli, Chana, Noor, and Hana.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Belen ranked highest in Arizona, California, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | #394 | 17 |
| California | #433 | 77 |
| Maryland | #433 | 12 |
| Oregon | #439 | 8 |
| Virginia | #489 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Belen is usually pronounced beh-LEHN, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with B and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Belen
A few middle names that flow with Belen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Belen
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Lists that include Belen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Belen mean?
Belen is a Spanish and Hebrew name that means “Bethlehem”.
What is the origin of the name Belen?
Belen has Spanish and Hebrew roots. Belén is the Spanish name for Bethlehem, the town in Judea honored in Christian tradition as the birthplace of Jesus.
Is Belen a popular name?
Yes. Belen ranked #785 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Belen a boy or girl name?
Belen is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Belen?
Belen is usually pronounced beh-LEHN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings