Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Elisabeth has its origins in Hebrew, meaning 'God is my oath.' It has evolved through various languages, including Greek and Old English, while retaining its core meaning. The name is linked to biblical narratives, particularly as the mother of John the Baptist, which contributes to its historical and cultural significance. Today, Elisabeth is viewed as an elegant and strong name, with various popular derivatives. It has been borne by many notable individuals throughout history.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ɪˈlɪzəˌbɛθ/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Elisabeth is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, which means 'God is my oath.' It is composed of two elements: 'El' meaning 'God' and 'sheva' meaning 'oath.'
Meaning
God is my oath
Language Evolution
Elisheva (Hebrew), Elisabeth (Greek), Elizabeth (Old English), Elisabeth (French, German)
Biblical Background
The name Elisabeth appears in the Bible as the mother of John the Baptist.
Historical Usage
Elisabeth gained popularity in medieval Europe, particularly in England, where it became associated with royalty and nobility.
Variants & Derivatives
Elizabeth, Eliza, Beth, Liz, Liza
Modern Popularity & Image
Elisabeth remains a classic name that conveys elegance and strength. It is often associated with historical and cultural significance.
Famous People
Elisabeth of Austria, Elisabeth Moss, Elisabeth Shue, Elisabeth Warren
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,093 peak births in 2001
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Massachusetts
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 (25 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 25 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10102nd of 10718 | 6 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11609th of 16616 | 21 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 422nd of 9107 | 4,475 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 596th of 9204 | 2,438 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 556th of 12526 | 5,327 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 438th of 19264 | 7,684 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 343rd of 27321 | 11,973 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 446th of 35406 | 10,863 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 801st of 30306 | 4,114 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
62.75% 3259th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
28.39% 402nd/1416 |
20.67% 285th/1379 |
27.47% 650th/2366 |
40.54% 463rd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
42.04% 650th/1546 |
24.49% 381st/1556 |
40.97% 964th/2353 |
43.24% 669th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
25.86% 576th/2227 |
16.21% 394th/2430 |
25.80% 736th/2853 |
20.47% 568th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
14.06% 413th/2937 |
11.11% 387th/3483 |
15.66% 551st/3518 |
9.64% 390th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
8.06% 297th/3685 |
7.51% 336th/4475 |
7.43% 386th/5194 |
5.48% 346th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
8.99% 412th/4582 |
7.96% 411th/5164 |
6.34% 464th/7313 |
6.50% 485th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
20.71% 825th/3984 |
17.90% 803rd/4487 |
11.43% 780th/6822 |
13.19% 828th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Massachusetts across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10102nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11609th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 422nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 596th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 556th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 438th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 343rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 446th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 801st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.