Elizabeth is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning can be translated to "God is my oath" or "God is my promise". The name is composed of two elements: "el-" which means "God", and "-beth" which means "oath".
The name Elizabeth has a rich history dating back to biblical times. In the New Testament, Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist, the prophet who foretold the arrival of Jesus Christ. She is revered as a saint in Christianity.
In medieval Europe, the name Elizabeth became popular among royalty. Many queens and princesses were named Elizabeth, such as Queen Elizabeth I of England who ruled from 1558 to 1603. Her reign was marked by significant events like the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the beginning of the English colonization of North America.
Throughout history, the name Elizabeth has been borne by many notable figures, including Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi, who was famous for her beauty and eccentric lifestyle in the late 19th century. The name has also been popular among writers and artists, such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the English poet, and Elizabeth Taylor, the American actress.
In literature and pop culture, the name Elizabeth is often associated with characters like Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", and Elizabeth Swann from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. These portrayals have contributed to the enduring popularity of the name.
Today, Elizabeth remains a classic and elegant choice for a girl's name, ranking consistently among the top 1000 names in the United States since the 19th century. Its timeless appeal can be attributed to its rich history, meaningful significance, and distinctive sound.
Elisabeth as a name has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak during the late 60s and early 70s, reaching its highest point in 1962 with 465 births. However, it has been on a general decline since the mid-80s, with only 255 births recorded in 2023. The total number of births named Elisabeth over this period is 47,427.