Beulah

A name with a sound that is both unique and familiar, Beulah is a Biblical name, reminiscent of Bella, Luna, and Selah. In the Bible, Beulah is a place, applied to the land of Israel by the prophet Isaiah. Its meaning, "married", comes from the idea that the Israelites would "marry" the land, though other sources interpret it as meaning "inhabit".

Used as a given name since the Protestant Reformation and favored by the 17th century Puritans, Beulah was also popular in the US in the early half of the 20th century. It declined in use around the 1950s, likely because of The Beulah Show.

While the radio and TV sitcom was notable for being the first to feature an African-American title character, it was equally controversial for relying on stereotypes and racial caricatures. In a recent year, the name was given to just 26 girls, though it may be worth noting that this is double the number it was chosen for a decade prior.

Noteworthy Beulahs include the mathematician Beulah Armstrong, synchronized swimmer Beulah Gundling, literacy campaigner Beulah Thumbadoo, inventor Beulah Louise Henry, artist Beulah H. Brown, and the educator and activist Beulah Burke.

So is Beulah totally off the table? That's down to your judgement and perception, but singer-songwriter Brit Taylor did opt to use it for her daughter, Beulah Anne, in 2025.

Beulah is also given to boys.

Pronounced BYOO-luh.

As of October 2026, Beulah ranked #5949 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #72 in 1903.