Girl · 235th of 9,107
Bette
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
34,911
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1924
Peak Popularity Year
1,742
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Bette stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Bette is a diminutive of the Hebrew name Elizabeth, which means 'God is my oath'. It evolved from Elisheba in Hebrew to Elizabeth in Old English and then to Bette as a French diminutive. The name is linked to strong biblical roots and has a rich historical usage that dates back to the early 20th century. Bette is perceived as charming and vintage today, and notable figures such as Bette Davis and Bette Midler have contributed to its recognition.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈbɛt/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
Bette is a diminutive form of Elizabeth, which means 'God is my oath' in Hebrew. The name Elizabeth has been used since the biblical era.
Meaning
God is my oath
Language Evolution
Elisheba (Hebrew), Elizabeth (Old English), Bette (French diminutive)
Biblical Background
Bette is derived from the biblical name Elizabeth, who was the mother of John the Baptist.
Historical Usage
The name Bette gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a fashionable diminutive of Elizabeth.
Variants & Derivatives
Betty, Betsy, Liz, Lisa
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Bette is often associated with classic charm and nostalgia, and it carries a vintage appeal.
Famous People
Bette Davis, Bette Midler
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,742 peak births in 1924
Geographic Spread
Popular across 47 US states, with strongest presence in Iowa
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 6 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 9 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7162nd of 7545 | 6 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5479th of 6773 | 16 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 235th of 9107 | 13,779 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 242nd of 9204 | 13,685 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 495th of 12526 | 6,674 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2567th of 19264 | 474 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8891st of 27321 | 117 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 20356th of 35406 | 38 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 11008th of 30306 | 101 |