Elizabeth is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin that means "God is my oath". It was traditionally considered a form of the Hebrew name Elisheba, which was borne by the wife of Aaron in the Old Testament.
The name Elizabeth has been used throughout history and across various cultures. In medieval England, it was a popular choice among the nobility, with several queens and princesses named Elizabeth. The most famous bearer of this name is arguably Queen Elizabeth I of England, who ruled from 1558 to 1603 and is often referred to as the Virgin Queen.
In literature, Elizabeth Bennet is a prominent character in Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice". She is intelligent, witty, and independent-minded, and her character has inspired numerous adaptations of the story across various media platforms.
Today, Elizabeth remains a popular choice among parents who are looking for a traditional yet timeless name for their daughters. It is often shortened to Liz or Beth, but can also be paired with middle names such as Mary, Ann, or Rose to create unique combinations like Elizabeth Mary or Elizabeth Rose. Despite its long history and widespread use, the name Elizabeth still feels classic and elegant, evoking images of strong women who have made their mark on history.
The name Elizabeth was not very popular in the United States during the early 20th century, with only five babies named Elizabeth born each year between 1921 and 1925. However, there was a slight increase in popularity in the late 1920s, with six babies named Elizabeth born each year in 1926 and 1927. In total, over these six years, there were 22 babies named Elizabeth born in the United States.