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Elizabeth Girl

Popularity: #17 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationih-LIZ-uh-beth / ɪˈlɪzəˌbɛθ

Hebrew; English; Greek

Meaning

Hebrew: God is my oath; English: pledged to God; Greek: consecrated to God

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Elizabeth has its roots in the Hebrew name Elisheba, which means "God is my oath." This name was transliterated into Greek as Elisabet and subsequently into Latin as Elisabetha. The name made its way into Old French as Élisabeth before entering the English language in the medieval period, particularly during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The evolution of the name reflects a rich linguistic journey, showcasing the interplay between different cultures and languages over centuries.

Historically, Elizabeth has been borne by several notable figures, most prominently by Elizabeth I of England, who reigned from 1558 to 1603. Her reign, known as the Elizabethan Era, was marked by significant cultural, political, and economic developments, including the flourishing of English drama and the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Additionally, the name appears in the Bible, associated with Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, which further solidified its prominence in Christian traditions. The name has been featured in various literary works, including the King James Bible, published in 1611, where it contributed to the name's enduring legacy.

Culturally, Elizabeth has been associated with themes of nobility, grace, and commitment, often symbolizing loyalty and faithfulness due to its etymological meaning. The name has inspired numerous variations and diminutives, such as Eliza and Beth, which have also found their places in literature and society. The name's historical significance and its connections to influential figures and religious texts have contributed to its lasting resonance across various cultures and eras.

Trend Summary

Elizabeth has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the United States, maintaining popularity over many decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Liz
  • Beth
  • Eliza
  • Liza

International Variants

  • Elisabeth (German)
  • Isabel (Spanish)
  • Elisabet (Swedish)
  • Elisabetta (Italian)

Famous people named Elizabeth

Elizabeth Taylor is an actress best known for Cleopatra, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and National Velvet.

Elizabeth Banks is an actress and filmmaker best known for Pitch Perfect, The Hunger Games, and 30 Rock.

Elizabeth Hurley is an actress and model best known for Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Bedazzled, and The Royals.

Elizabeth Olsen is an actress best known for WandaVision, Avengers: Endgame, and Martha Marcy May Marlene.

Elizabeth Gilbert is an author best known for Eat, Pray, Love, Committed, and Big Magic.

Elizabeth Moss is an actress and producer best known for The Handmaid's Tale, Mad Men, and The Invisible Man.

Elizabeth Shue is an actress best known for The Karate Kid, Leaving Las Vegas, and The Saint.

Elizabeth Reaser is an actress best known for Twilight, The Family Stone, and Grey's Anatomy.

Elizabeth Perkins is an actress best known for Big, Weeds, and The Flintstones.

Elizabeth McGovern is an actress and musician best known for Ordinary People, Downton Abbey, and Ragtime.

Fictional characters named Elizabeth

Elizabeth Bennet is a fictional character from the novel Pride and Prejudice. She is the intelligent and spirited protagonist who navigates issues of class and marriage in early 19th century England.

Elizabeth Swann is a fictional character from the film series Pirates of the Caribbean. She is a strong-willed noblewoman who becomes a key player in the adventures of pirates and the supernatural.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Elizabeth was first seen in the United States in 1880. Elizabeth has ranked as high as #29 nationally, which occurred in 1990, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Elizabeth has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Elizabeth (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 814
12%
CA 602
9%
FL 404
6%
NY 312
5%
GA 297
4%
NC 297
4%
OH 252
4%
PA 225
3%
IL 217
3%
TN 216
3%
VA 210
3%
AL 169
3%
IN 167
3%
WA 153
2%
MO 149
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18801,939
18811,852
18822,186
18832,255
18842,549
18852,582
18862,680
18872,681
18883,224
18893,058
18903,112
18913,059
18923,461
18933,360
18943,425
18953,603
18963,471
18973,442
18983,659
18993,287
19004,096
19013,216
19023,694
19033,724
19043,833
19054,121
19064,320
19074,624
19084,904
19095,176
19105,800
19116,298
19128,527
19139,505
191411,367
191514,103
191614,940
191715,131
191815,853
191915,287
192015,908
192115,800
192215,243
192315,460
192414,950
192513,936
192612,837
192712,523
192811,767
192911,248
193010,995
193110,292
19329,999
19339,016
19349,346
19359,075
19368,860
19379,385
19389,802
19399,709
19409,956
194110,268
194211,185
194311,644
194411,034
194510,343
194611,753
194713,439
194813,215
194913,714
195014,334
195115,118
195216,023
195316,098
195416,586
195516,697
195616,353
195717,491
195818,536
195918,422
196018,859
196118,855
196217,804
196317,597
196417,294
196516,323
196615,886
196716,116
196814,886
196915,295
197015,112
197113,605
197212,183
197312,358
197412,263
197512,473
197613,546
197716,431
197816,809
197918,075
198019,531
198120,169
198220,507
198319,842
198420,361
198520,545
198619,074
198718,608
198820,042
198920,298
199020,749
199120,395
199219,034
199317,559
199416,786
199516,192
199616,004
199715,428
199815,193
199915,350
200015,117
200114,792
200214,620
200314,122
200413,574
200512,742
200612,440
200713,070
200812,025
200911,055
201010,280
201110,106
20129,729
20139,474
20149,597
20159,766
20169,602
20178,999
20188,595
20197,920
20207,299
20217,261
20227,014
20236,600
20246,878