Belén

Belén is the Spanish form of Bethlehem, the name of the town in Judah where King David and Jesus were born. The name originates from the Hebrew בֵּית־לֶחֶם (Beṯ-leḥem), meaning “house of bread,” and entered Spanish via Old Spanish Bellem, Beldeem, Belleem, ultimately from Ancient Greek Βηθλεέμ and Hebrew.

In Spanish-speaking countries, Belén is primarily a feminine given name, though it is also the Spanish name for the town of Bethlehem itself. It is often associated with the Christmas nativity scene, which in Spanish is called a belén or beleners. The name first gained popularity as a given name in the Spanish-speaking world, especially in Spain and Latin America, often chosen for its religious significance.

While the root name David is unrelated in meaning—it derives from a Hebrew root meaning “beloved”—the shared connection may follow through biblical tradition. However, Belén stands on its own as a place-name that became a personal name.

Notable individuals named Belén include Spanish actress Belén Rueda and Argentine field hockey player Belén Succi. The name is also used in other Romance languages and occasionally in English-speaking contexts.

Variants and related forms

Related names include the Italian Bethlem and the French Bethléem, but Belén is the standard Spanish adaptation.

• Meaning: House of bread; also a place-name
• Origin: Hebrew, via Greek, Old Spanish
• Type: Feminine given name; also place name
• Usage regions: Spain, Latin America