 The name is of biblical origin () and means "place of flowing water".Nieu Bethesda is situated on the farm, Uitkyk, which belonged to BJ Pienaar.There was a very strong water supply on the farm and BJ Pienaar changed the course of the Gats River to drain the vlei's (marshes) and turn the area into fertile lands – where Nieu Bethesda stands today.