Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Ethen

Technically speaking, Ethen is a misspelling of the popular masculine name Ethan. Typical of American parents (and occasionally parents in Canada and Australia) when a name become ultra-trendy – such as Ethan has become – there’s a tendency to alter the name’s spelling as a way of differentiating one baby “Ethen” from the scores of other “Ethans” out there. Now that Ethan is a Top 10 favorite name all over the English speaking world, we weren’t surprised to see Ethen pop up on the American Top 1000 list (sort of like how the traditionally anglicized Irish spelling of Aidan morphed into Aiden in the mid-1990s). Apparently some parents have “A” phobia. In any case, Ethan is an ancient Biblical name of Hebrew origin which appears a few obscure times throughout the Old Testament; most often, however, he’s referenced as a wise man whom Solomon surpasses in wisdom (1 Kings 4:31). The authorship of Psalm 89 is also attributed to this same Ethan the Ezrahite (“I Will Sing of the Steadfast Love of the Lord”); the name Ethan also appears four or five times on genealogy lists in the Book of Chronicles. The name (אֵיתָן) in Hebrew means “firm” as in “sturdy, enduring, long-lived”. Despite Ethan’s obscure and insignificant place in the Bible, the Puritans adopted the name around the 17th century after the Reformation. It was the religiously austere practice of Puritans to bestow lesser-known Biblical names on their children as an act of modesty. They then brought these names (e.g., Ethan, Malachi, Micah, Jedidiah, etc) to the New World (i.e., America). Later in American history – during the 18th century American Revolution – patriot and war hero Ethan Allen made a name for himself as the leader of the “Green Mountain Boys”. His written accounts of his exploits were popular in the 19th century during which time Ethan enjoyed revival interest as a boy’s name. Today, in the 21st century, parents are flocking to the masculine name Ethan once again. As a direct result of Ethan’s current popularity, the respelled version of Ethen recently emerged.

All About the Baby Name – Ethen

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME ETHEN

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME ETHEN

Ethen first appeared on the American Top 1000 list in 2002 – not coincidentally – the same year that Ethan was the 5th most commonly used baby boy’s name in the United States. Ethen, however, is the 1000th most popular boy’s name. In other words, most people who are drawn to Ethan will use the traditional spelling. However, if the name Aiden is any benchmark, we wouldn’t be surprised if Ethen surpasses Ethan one day in the same way that Aiden is now the preferred spelling over Aidan (at least here in the U.S.). Most other English-speaking nations don’t display a compulsion for spelling mutations in the same manner you’ll find in the United States, Canada and Australia. The name Ethen is pronounced the exact same way as Ethan so what’s getting accomplished exactly? Well, for one, a lot of parents find these slight alternations more unique than their traditionally spelled counterparts. Secondly, what’s the harm? To each his own, right? Except that all the Ethens out there are forevermore forced to repeat the following statement throughout their lifetimes: “Ethen. That’s Ethan with an E.” A mild nuisance worthy of reconsideration.

Quick Facts

ON ETHEN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

1000

PRONUNCIATION:

EE-thin

SIMPLE MEANING:

Firm, long-lived

Characteristics

OF ETHEN

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Ethen

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ETHEN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Ethen

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ETHEN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Ethen


Popular Songs

ON ETHEN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Ethen


Famous People

NAMED ETHEN

Ethen Beavers (comic book artist)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ETHEN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Ethen

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ETHEN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Ethen