Elizabeth is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my oath". It is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, which consists of the elements 'El' meaning "God" and 'sheva' meaning "oath". The name Elizabeth was popularized in the English-speaking world by Queen Elizabeth I of England.
The name Elizabeth has been borne by several notable historical figures. In addition to Queen Elizabeth I, other famous bearers of this name include Elizabeth I of Russia, Empress consort of Russia from 1745 to 1762, and Elizabeth Woodville, the queen consort of England during the Wars of the Roses.
Throughout history, the name Elizabeth has been associated with elegance, sophistication, and grace. It is often seen as a regal and dignified name, fitting for queens and other figures of high status. However, it is also a popular choice for everyday use, and can be shortened to Liz or Beth for a more casual feel.
In literature, the name Elizabeth has been used by several prominent authors, including Shakespeare in his play "The Taming of the Shrew", and George Eliot in her novel "Middlemarch". The name is also borne by several characters in popular culture, such as Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and Elizabeth Swann from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series.
Overall, Elizabeth is a classic and timeless name with a rich history and a meaningful meaning. It is a name that has been beloved for centuries and continues to be popular today.
The given statistics illustrate the annual number of births with the name Elizabeth in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The data shows a clear trend of peaks and troughs over time, reflecting societal influences on naming trends.
From the late 19th century up until around the mid-20th century, the popularity of the name Elizabeth remained relatively consistent, with fluctuations ranging from approximately 1,500 to 3,000 births per year. However, starting in the 1950s, there is a notable increase in the number of girls named Elizabeth, peaking at around 20,000 births per year in the mid-1960s and early 1970s. This coincides with the baby boom era following World War II.
The popularity of the name Elizabeth continued to be high throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with fluctuations around the 15,000 to 20,000 births per year range. However, from the early 1990s onwards, there is a significant decline in the number of newborn girls named Elizabeth. This downward trend continues into the 21st century, with fewer than 10,000 births per year since around the late 1990s.
The most recent data available shows that in 2022 and 2023, there were approximately 6,500 to 7,000 girls named Elizabeth at birth in the United States. This demonstrates a clear decrease in popularity for this particular name over time, reflecting shifting naming trends among parents.
Overall, the statistics reveal how societal influences, such as cultural shifts and generational preferences, have impacted the popularity of the name Elizabeth in the United States throughout the past century and a half.