Elizabeth Name Meaning 2024: A Name Fit For A Queen

Elizabeth name meaning is among the highly-requested topics that this page has received. This enormously popular name boasts impressive longevity and status across the globe.

What’s more, according to many experts, the Queen’s death in 2022 is likely to give this royal name a huge boost. Are you considering Elizabeth to pay tribute to Her Majesty? Want to inspire your kid with the longest-serving monarch in British history?

Or, have you simply been fascinated by the timeless charm of the name? Whatever the reason, you need to give its meanings, history, and roots a check before making the decision!

Elizabeth Is A Name — Elizabeth is a name that has it all!

An Overview Of Elizabeth

Here’s the general information about Elizabeth before you can get to the detailed parts:

Meaning	“God is my oath”, “God’s promise”, and “My God is abundance”.
Origin	Hebrew
Pronunciation	/uh-liz-uh-beth/ /e-liz-uh-buth/
Gender	Elizabeth is traditionally given to females. Although significantly less common, Elizabeth is chosen for males as well.
Popularity	Elizabeth boasts solid footing on the popularity name chart from 1900. It ranked 14th in 2021 as a girl’s name. An upsurge in popularity is also forecasted in the not-so-distant future.
Variations	Isabella, Isobel , Isabel, Isabella, Elisabeta, Elisabete, Elizabete, Élizabeth, Élisabeth, Eliise,, Eliisabet, Elikapeka, Elisabetta, Elisa, etc.
Nicknames	Elsa, Bess, Bette, Betty, Bettina, Lib, Liz, Lizzie, Tetty, Liza, Libbie, Eliza, Betsey, Bessie, Betta, Eli, Ellie, Babette, etc.
Similar Names	Alice, Amelia, Bethany, Charlotte, Eleanor, Emily, Lisa, etc.
Sibling Names	*For Boys: Abraham, Christopher, Connor, Jacob, Henry, Simon, etc. For Girls*: Abigail, Eleanor, Eliana, Hannah, Sarah, Victoria, etc.
Middle Names	Aria, Avery, Catherine, Gayle, Madeline, etc.

Elizabeth – A Breakdown Of History And Meaning

Elizabeth comes straight from the Hebrew name “Elisheba” – a biblical name that appears in both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament.

Regarding its earlier origin, the Hebrew Bible, Elisheva was the wife of the Israelite prophet Aeron. Meanwhile, in the New Testament, this name was borne by the priest Zechariah’s wife, better known as the mother of John the Baptist.

The name “Elisheba” was constructed from two elements: “el” meaning “God” and “shava” meaning “oath”. Elisheba, and, thus, its derivative Elizabeth, mean “God is my oath”, “God’s promise”, or “my God is abundance”.

Elizabeth is a name rich in history and culture. Even before it took hold of the British’s name pool, it dates back to the 12th century as a sacred name of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.

Elizabeth appeared in England as early as medieval times. However, it was not until the 16th century did the name become very popular, thanks to Queen Elizabeth I.

Is Elizabeth An Exclusively Female Name?

Borne by two major female figures from the Bible, many female saints after that, and two English queens, Elizabeth is a predominantly girl’s name.

That said, modern parents choose this name for their boys from time to time. Interestingly, Elizabeth has occasionally made it to the top 1000 choices in the US as a male title during the last century.

Is Elizabeth A Popular Name?

With such a strong religious reference, Elizabeth is a timeless option for baby girls. It has been ranking high since the early 1900s when the Social Security Association (SSA) records started.

To be specific, Elizabeth’s popularity slightly fluctuated over the past decade but never dropped out of the top 30 most used names.

During the first 25 years since its debut, Elizabeth always had a spot in the top 10 choices. During the 1940s, the name slightly fell out of favor, dropping its ranking to 26th in 1945 and 1948.

Elizabeth’s use steadily climbed again and rejoined the top 10 in 1980. Per SSA’s latest data, this feminine name was the 14th most popular in 2020 ⁽¹⁾.

Elizabeth was also used for boys before 1990. During this time, the name commonly hovered around the top 900, with the most impressive ranking at 465th in 1902. However, it eventually slipped out of the 1000 most popular male names in 1989.

Many experts have made bold predictions about Elizabeth’s rise after Queen Elizabeth II’s death. They believe many parents-to-be have this royal name in mind to pay tribute to Her Majesty as well as her extraordinary legacy and service.

Common Name Variants

Elizabeth is a biblical name with international fame. Thus, it’s no surprise spelling variants are abundant in both English-speaking and non-English-speaking worlds. Here are just a few examples.

Isabella (Italian, Spanish)
Isobel (Spanish, Scottish)
Isabel, Isabella (Scottish)
Elisabeta (Romanian)
Elisabete, Elizabete, Isabel (Portuguese)
Élizabeth, Élisabeth (French)
Eliise, Eliisabet (Estonian)
Elikapeka (Hawaiian)
Elisabetta (Italian)
Elisa (Turkish)

Nicknames And Similar Names For Elizabeth

When it comes to pet names for Elizabeth, the sky’s the limit. The name has been hugely popular throughout the ages. This sometimes means that Elizabeths (and perhaps their parents) might have tried to invent new, special nicknames to stand out from the crowd.

Anyway, you can pick for your little girl one or two of these nicknames:

Elsa
Bess
Bette
Betty
Bettina
Lib
Liz
Lizzie
Tetty
Liza
Libbie
Eliza
Betsey
Bessie
Betta
Eli
Ellie
Babette

Still open to more potential options? These feminine names share the same roots, have similar syllables, or might share something in common with Elizabeth that you might like:

Names	Pronunciation	Meaning	Origin
Alice	/al-is/ /al-ice/	Exalted, noble	English, French, German
Amelia	/uh-mee-lee-uh/ /uh-meel-yuh/ /a-mel-ia/ /ə-mee-lee-ə/	Industrious, hardworking, striving	Latin, English, German
Bethany	/behth-uh-nee/ /beth-uh-nee/ /beth-any/	House of figs, house of affliction	Hebrew
Charlotte	/shahr-luht/ /sh-ar-lit/ /shahr-luh t/	Free man, petite	French
Eleanor	/el-uh-nawr/ /ell-uh-nore/ /el-uh-ner/	Shining light, light-hearted	French, Greek
Emily	/em-uh-lee/ /eh-m-ih-l-ee/ /em-i-lee/	Rival, wily, persuasive	Latin, Greek
Lisa	/lee-suh/ /lisa/ /l-ee-s-uh/	Devoted to God, oath from God, my God is bountiful	Hebrew, Greek, German, and English

Ideas For Sibling Names

If you’re still searching for the right sibling name to go along with Elizabeth, here are some brilliant ideas to consider:

For Sons

Haven’t you figured out the boy’s name that goes well with sister Elizabeth? These monikers below are just meant for that:

Abraham: Abraham has a major significance to Jewish communities. In the Old Testament, Abraham, originally Abram, was the first patriarch and is regarded as the founding father of the Jewish people. Therefore, this Hebrew name can either mean “Father of nations” or “Father of multitudes”. The name also received a huge boost in the 19th century thanks to the 16th US president Abraham Lincoln.
Christopher: Hailing from the Greek spelling “Christóforos”, this male name means “bearer of Christ”. Legend says Saint Christopher, a third-century martyr, carried the Christ Child over a hazardous river. Yet, before that, Christopher could be interpreted figuratively, indicating the bearing of the Saint in someone’s heart.
Connor: Irish in origin, Connor means “lover of hounds”. There is also a belief that it’s a Scottish name referring to “wise”. Connor is among the Irish names widely used in the English-speaking world. Arriving on the SSA’s chart a bit late didn’t give the name any disadvantage, as it rose to the top 100 choices only a decade later.
Jacob: For 14 years straight, Jacob, primarily translating to “supplanter”, was the number one choice in the US. Jacob, in the Bible, was the founding father of Israel ⁽²⁾. With such a robust association, Jacob is here to stay for years to come. This Hebrew patriarch was also the grandson of “Abraham”. So, they can make a perfect duo if Elizabeth got two brothers.
Henry: Henry goes all the way back to the Old German word “Heimeric”, meaning “home ruler”. It also boasts many royal credentials, from the infamous Henry VIII of England and seven other Kings of England to Henry Charles Albert David (Prince Harry).
Simon: This name is the most familiar among Christian families, as Simon Peter was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. The name can be interpreted as “to be heard”, “to hear”, or “reputation”.

For Daughters

Many coordinating names can march in sync with Elizabeth. Yet, if you want the best choices, don’t skip the section below:

Abigail: Derived from the Hebrew name “Avigail”, Abigail has a blissful meaning of “father’s joy” or “cause of joy”. This melodious moniker also shares Hebrew roots with Elizabeth. Abigail is a biblical figure lauded for her loyalty and wisdom.
Eleanor: This enchanting-sounding name is of Greek or French origin, meaning “shining light” or “light-hearted”. It’s a name with substance and style, introduced to England by Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England, through her marriage to King Louis VII.
Eliana: Of Hebrew and Greek origin, this name was formed by “el” for “God” and “ana” for “answered”. Translating to “God has answered”, Eliana fits for a long-awaited child who represents God’s answer to your faithful prayers.
Hannah: This Hebrew girl’s name has been a permanent fixture in the US for a while. It has been in the top 50 since 1989. It was borne by Samuel’s mother in the Bible, representing the “grace of God” and “favor”.
Sarah: While Elizabeth is destined for a queen, Sarah is meant for a princess. With its Hebrew roots, the name literally translates to “princess”, “noblewoman”, and “lady”. Alternatively, Sarah can also mean “happy” and “pure”, so feel free to interpret it the way you like.
Victoria: Like Elizabeth, Victoria is a name of enduring popularity. There are many ingredients for the success of this equivalent of “Victor”. First, it’s got a favorable definition – “victory”. Second, it’s inextricably tied to the ancient Roman goddess of victory. Finally, Queen Victoria was a legendary British monarch who ruled England for over 63 years. So unprecedented the power and wealth her reign had achieved that the period was later called the “Victorian Era” ⁽³⁾.

Ideas For Middle Names To Go With Elizabeth

Middle Names Elizabeth — There are many great middle names to pair with Elizabeth.

If you love to add a middle name next to Elizabeth, there’s no shortage of options. However, these feminine names seem to be the most outstanding!

Aria: Aria is a lyrical name of varied roots and, thus, interpretations. From its Italian roots, the name is a musical term directly connected to opera and means “air”, “melody”, and “song”. Meanwhile, Aria translates to “noble” in Persian and “lioness” in Greek. It’s a name of impressive flexibility regarding how the bearers can interpret it.
Avery: Avery was once a mostly male name but now is hugely preferred for the opposite gender. As the 19th most used name in 2021, the name was quite close to Elizabeth. Avery comes from the Anglo-Saxon language and means “wise” or “ruler of the elves”. Parents who love something mystical and whimsical might consider this name.
Catherine: Names that denote purity and innocence never go out of style for newborn girls. Catherine, or Katherine, with the simple meaning of “pure”, is a great example. Its usage stretches from the time of Catherine of Aragon to modern-day royal Catherine Middleton.
Gayle: Gayle is a modern take on the Middle English name “Gale”. Both mean “my father rejoices” or “joys of father”. This short girl’s name is of irregular use if you prefer uniqueness.
Madeline: Meaning “high tower”, this Hebrew name will be a huge inspiration to aim for new heights in your girl’s life. Another popular interpretation is “woman from Magdala” (an ancient Jewish city).

Elizabeth & Pop Culture

Elizabeth’s impact on Pop Culture is insurmountable. Queen Elizabeth II, in particular, has long been an icon, appearing in several films and television for decades. Here are a few examples of how popular the name Elizabeth is.

Elizabeth Afton: a fictional character in the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise.
Elizabeth Bennet: also referred to as Lizzy – the main character in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice novel, published in 1813.
Elizabeth “Betty” Cooper: the main character on The CW’s Riverdale.
Elizabeth Johnson: Also known as the Countess, portrayed by Lady Gaga, a fictional character in American Horror Story Hotel.
Elizabeth Harmon: the main protagonist in The Queen’s Gambit novel and Netflix miniseries.
Elizabeth Lavenza: a fictional character in Mary Shelley’s 1818 Frankenstein novel.
Elizabeth Turner (née Swann): an important character in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series.
Elizabeth Webber: a fictional character on the American soap opera General Hospital.

Famous Elizabeth-Something Namesakes

There are many saints, royalties, and modern personalities bearing the name Elizabeth. Elizabeth is not only rich in history but also hugely empowering for younger generations of its bearers.

Elizabeth I (1533-1603): Also known as Virgin Queen, Former Queen of England and Ireland. She was the last of the five monarchs of the House of Tudor (an English royal dynasty of Welsh origin).
Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor) (1926-2022): Former Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861): English poet of the Victorian era.
Elizabeth Cavendish (1758-1824): Duchess of Devonshire.
Elizabeth Jane Hurley (born 1965): English model and actress.
Elizabeth Olsen (born 1989): Also known as Elizabeth Chase Olsen, an American actress.
Elizabeth of York (1466-1503): Queen consort of Henry VII of England.
Elizabeth Petrovna (1709-1762): Also referred to as Yelisaveta or Elizaveta, Empress of Russia.
Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011): British American actress
Elizabeth Warren (born 1949): American politician – a member of the Democratic Party.
Elizabeth Woolridge Grant (born 1985): Known by the stage name Lana Del Rey, an American songwriter-singer.

FAQs

It’s hard to cover all the interesting facts about this popular biblical name in just a few thousand words. So, I also tried to include some of the most related queries about this name to help you understand it better:

Yes, Libby can be a stand-alone or a pet name for Elizabeth. Many parents tend to opt for Elizabeth as a birth name and then can their child Libby at home. Libby, as an independent name, had been in the top 1000 most-often-used names until 2015.

Yes. Lily dates back to as early as the Middle Ages when it took the forms of “Lylie” and “Lilie”. There is a misconception that it started as a pet name for Lilian, which is understandable considering the similarities in their appearance.

However, Lily was believed to be Elizabeth’s nickname before “Lilian” was coined based on it.

Yes, it is. Thanks to two Queens of England, Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II, the name boasts a major royal flair.

No, it isn’t. Elizabeth originates from Hebrew roots. If you’re looking for something similar in the language, consider Eilís – an Irish Gaelic form of Elizabeth.

Yes, Elizabeth is still favored by modern parents. Dating back to the Old Testament, the name still gains huge traction globally. Many analysts also predict an upswing in its use after the Queen’s death.

Elizabeths are energetic and headstrong people and would do what they need to reach their goals. As logical individuals, they make their decisions based on logical thinking, not intuition.

People with this name are also highly emotional, but this characteristic is not known by many people. They rarely show their feelings except when surrounded by close friends or family.

Elizabeth: An Empowering Name!

Elizabeth comes with classic beauty and a huge royal pedigree. For the most part, it helps reflect the image of the longest-reigning monarch in British history. This name will surely win the hearts of many parents, inside or outside of Britain.

Elizabeth should be on your roster if you’re after something that stands the test of time. Share with me how you feel about this classic name, and if you like this article, please spread it on social media.

References

ssa.gov. 2022. The Popularity Of A Name.
britannica.com. 2022. Jacob, Hebrew patriarch.
English-heritage.org.uk. 2022. An introduction to Victorian England (1837-1901).

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.