Elizabeth, derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, which means "my God is an oath," was a popular given name during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. It has been used by various royal families throughout history, contributing to its enduring appeal.
The name Elizabeth rose to prominence in England through Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled from 1558 until her death in 1603. During her reign, the name became exceedingly popular due to her popularity and influence on English culture.
In literature, the name Elizabeth is often associated with works by Shakespeare. In his play "The Taming of the Shrew," the main female character is named Katherina, but she is often referred to as "Bella" or "Lizzie," which are diminutives of Elizabeth. Additionally, in his sonnet sequence, Sonnet 106, Shakespeare compares his love's eyes to those of Queen Elizabeth I.
Today, Elizabeth remains a classic and timeless name, often given to daughters in English-speaking countries. It has numerous variations and derivatives, including Eliza, Lizzie, Beth, and Betty. Despite its long history, the name continues to be popular and is used by people from diverse backgrounds and cultures around the world.
"The name Elizabeth has had varying popularity over the years, with its peak being in 2002 and again in 2018, both having 10 births each."