Blessen is a unique and distinctive given name of Ethiopian origin. It is derived from the Amharic word "blasen", which means "to praise". This name has been traditionally used by the Amhara people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia.
The name Blessen is believed to have gained popularity during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie (1930-1974), who was known for his modernization efforts and encouragement of cultural expression. During this period, many Amharic names were introduced into wider usage among the Ethiopian population.
Historically, the name Blessen has been predominantly used by Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia, as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has a significant influence on naming traditions. It is often given to children born around religious holidays or to celebrate special occasions, reflecting the parents' desire for their child to be praised and blessed throughout their life.
In recent years, the name Blessen has gained international recognition due to its unique sound and meaning. While it remains relatively uncommon outside of Ethiopia, it has been chosen by parents who appreciate its distinctiveness and positive connotation. As a given name with an inspiring meaning, Blessen continues to be a meaningful choice for parents seeking a special name for their child.
The name Blessen has seen a varied but steadily increasing trend in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between the years 2000 and 2023, there were a total of 180 babies born with this name. The earliest year on record was 2000, with only five births. This number doubled by 2002, reaching ten births.
After a slight decrease in 2004, the trend began to rise again, peaking at fourteen births in 2017 and seventeen in 2019. Despite a dip in popularity in recent years, with only seven births in 2021, the name Blessen has shown resilience, with eleven births recorded in both 2022 and 2012.
This data suggests that while Blessen may not be one of the most popular names in terms of sheer numbers, it has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the United States over the past two decades. It will be interesting to see how this trend continues in the coming years.