The girl's name Betty \b(et)-ty\ is pronounced BET-ee. It is of Dutch and English origin. Pet form of Elizabeth (Hebrew) "God's promise". In the 17th century it was also used occasionally as a pet form of Beatrice. First became popular in the 18th century, and now appears most often in combination with other names: Betty Lou, Betty Ann, etc. Liza and Beth are now more likely choices as modern-day short forms. Actresses Betty Grable, Bette Davis; singer Bette Midler; First Lady Betty Ford.
Betty is a variation of Elizabeth
ORIGIN
Hebrew
MEANING
My God is an oath
Derived from the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elisheva. The name of Aaron's wife in the Old Testament and the mother of John the Baptist in the New Testament. Influenced by the long and successful rein of Queen Elizabeth I, which resulted in numerous variations. Also a literary name for one of the principal characters in Jane Austen's novel, "Pride and Prejudice." Consistently ranked among the top 25 for over 100 years.
VARIATIONS
Elian
ALTERNATIVES
Elisabeth
NICKNAMES
Liza Lizbeth Eliza Betsy Libby Elle Liz Bethbetsy Betty
FAMOUS Elizabeths
Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth Taylor (actress) Elizabeth Barrett Browning (poet) Elizabeth Hurley (actress)
Click below for lists of popular baby names from other years.
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