Elizabeth Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationih-LIZ-uh-beth / ɪˈlɪzəˌbɛθHebrew; 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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 814 | |
CA | 602 | |
FL | 404 | |
NY | 312 | |
GA | 297 | |
NC | 297 | |
OH | 252 | |
PA | 225 | |
IL | 217 | |
TN | 216 | |
VA | 210 | |
AL | 169 | |
IN | 167 | |
WA | 153 | |
MO | 149 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 1,939 |
1881 | 1,852 |
1882 | 2,186 |
1883 | 2,255 |
1884 | 2,549 |
1885 | 2,582 |
1886 | 2,680 |
1887 | 2,681 |
1888 | 3,224 |
1889 | 3,058 |
1890 | 3,112 |
1891 | 3,059 |
1892 | 3,461 |
1893 | 3,360 |
1894 | 3,425 |
1895 | 3,603 |
1896 | 3,471 |
1897 | 3,442 |
1898 | 3,659 |
1899 | 3,287 |
1900 | 4,096 |
1901 | 3,216 |
1902 | 3,694 |
1903 | 3,724 |
1904 | 3,833 |
1905 | 4,121 |
1906 | 4,320 |
1907 | 4,624 |
1908 | 4,904 |
1909 | 5,176 |
1910 | 5,800 |
1911 | 6,298 |
1912 | 8,527 |
1913 | 9,505 |
1914 | 11,367 |
1915 | 14,103 |
1916 | 14,940 |
1917 | 15,131 |
1918 | 15,853 |
1919 | 15,287 |
1920 | 15,908 |
1921 | 15,800 |
1922 | 15,243 |
1923 | 15,460 |
1924 | 14,950 |
1925 | 13,936 |
1926 | 12,837 |
1927 | 12,523 |
1928 | 11,767 |
1929 | 11,248 |
1930 | 10,995 |
1931 | 10,292 |
1932 | 9,999 |
1933 | 9,016 |
1934 | 9,346 |
1935 | 9,075 |
1936 | 8,860 |
1937 | 9,385 |
1938 | 9,802 |
1939 | 9,709 |
1940 | 9,956 |
1941 | 10,268 |
1942 | 11,185 |
1943 | 11,644 |
1944 | 11,034 |
1945 | 10,343 |
1946 | 11,753 |
1947 | 13,439 |
1948 | 13,215 |
1949 | 13,714 |
1950 | 14,334 |
1951 | 15,118 |
1952 | 16,023 |
1953 | 16,098 |
1954 | 16,586 |
1955 | 16,697 |
1956 | 16,353 |
1957 | 17,491 |
1958 | 18,536 |
1959 | 18,422 |
1960 | 18,859 |
1961 | 18,855 |
1962 | 17,804 |
1963 | 17,597 |
1964 | 17,294 |
1965 | 16,323 |
1966 | 15,886 |
1967 | 16,116 |
1968 | 14,886 |
1969 | 15,295 |
1970 | 15,112 |
1971 | 13,605 |
1972 | 12,183 |
1973 | 12,358 |
1974 | 12,263 |
1975 | 12,473 |
1976 | 13,546 |
1977 | 16,431 |
1978 | 16,809 |
1979 | 18,075 |
1980 | 19,531 |
1981 | 20,169 |
1982 | 20,507 |
1983 | 19,842 |
1984 | 20,361 |
1985 | 20,545 |
1986 | 19,074 |
1987 | 18,608 |
1988 | 20,042 |
1989 | 20,298 |
1990 | 20,749 |
1991 | 20,395 |
1992 | 19,034 |
1993 | 17,559 |
1994 | 16,786 |
1995 | 16,192 |
1996 | 16,004 |
1997 | 15,428 |
1998 | 15,193 |
1999 | 15,350 |
2000 | 15,117 |
2001 | 14,792 |
2002 | 14,620 |
2003 | 14,122 |
2004 | 13,574 |
2005 | 12,742 |
2006 | 12,440 |
2007 | 13,070 |
2008 | 12,025 |
2009 | 11,055 |
2010 | 10,280 |
2011 | 10,106 |
2012 | 9,729 |
2013 | 9,474 |
2014 | 9,597 |
2015 | 9,766 |
2016 | 9,602 |
2017 | 8,999 |
2018 | 8,595 |
2019 | 7,920 |
2020 | 7,299 |
2021 | 7,261 |
2022 | 7,014 |
2023 | 6,600 |
2024 | 6,878 |