Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Bel

      Origin 
      Indian

      Meaning 
      Sacred Wood

      Variations 
      Bela, Bell, Belah

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Bel, derived from the Indian Sanskrit word for Sacred Wood, holds deep historical significance and finds its place in various cultures across the world. In ancient Indian mythology, Bel represents the holy wood from the Bel tree, often associated with Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and transformation. Bel is believed to possess divine properties, known for its ability to ward off evil spirits and bring spiritual cleansing. The sacredness of the Bel tree and its wood has endured throughout time, transcending its initial mythological context.

      Throughout history, the name Bel has found its way into various cultures, reflecting its cross-cultural and intercontinental reach. In Mesopotamian mythology, Bel was an important god known as Bel Marduk or simply Bel, associated with weather, fertility, and creation. This deity played a central role in Babylonian religion and was considered the supreme god in certain periods. Moving into modern times, the name Bel has become somewhat less common but still retains cultural significance. Some parents continue to choose the name Bel for their children, often as a tribute to their Indian heritage or as a nod to the name's sacred connotations. Additionally, the name Bel frequently appears in the realm of literature and arts, further solidifying its presence in modern-day usage.

      Overall, the name Bel's origins in Indian mythology and its subsequent cultural assimilation have led to its prominence in various historical contexts as well as its continued relevance in modern-day usage. Its association with sacred wood and its diverse representation across different cultures make it an intriguing and meaningful choice for those seeking a name with powerful symbolic undertones.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Bel.
      Brown

      is the most common surname for Bel.

      Randolph

      is the most common spouse name for Bel.

      Jerry

      is the most common child name for Bel.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1838 is when there were the most people born with the first name Bel.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.