Elizabeth: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

Meaning:

Hebrew: Oath of God or God is satisfaction; dedicated
Greek: The fullness of God

Gender: Female

Syllables: 4

Pronunciation: The name Elizabeth is pronounced: eh-liz-uh-beth

The name Elizabeth has religious roots and origins in Hebrew. Elizabeth can have several meanings including "my God is an oath", "my God is abundance", and "pledged to God".

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

American: an Americanized spelling of the Dutch family name Elisabeth, from the female personal name derived from the Biblical name meaning "God is my oath." The name was particularly popular in the Middle Ages, notably after the canonization of Elisabeth, Duchess of Thuringia around 1230.

Famous people with this first name

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Hurley

Elizabeth Shue

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Elizabeth in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice - The intelligent and spirited protagonist of Jane Austen's novel.
Elizabeth Swann from Pirates of the Caribbean - A determined and courageous character in the popular film series.
Elizabeth "Liz" Lemon from 30 Rock - The quirky and talented head writer of a fictional sketch comedy show.
Elizabeth Keen from The Blacklist - A profiler for the FBI caught up in complex mysteries and conspiracies.
Elizabeth (Lizzie) McGuire from Lizzie McGuire - The relatable teen navigating the challenges of adolescence in this beloved Disney series.

Popularity of the Name Elizabeth

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Elizabeth has consistently held its position as one of the most popular female names in the United States. It has been a top 30 name for the past century, securing its place within the top 20 for many of those years. Elizabeth was ranked as the 14th most popular name for girls in the most recent data year.

The name Elizabeth spans centuries and continents, with historical figures like Queen Elizabeth I of England and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a leading figure of the early women's rights movement, bearing the name. Actresses like Elizabeth Taylor and Elizabeth Olsen have carried the name into modern celebrity culture, while fictional characters such as Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice and Elizabeth "Liz" Lemon from 30 Rock have further embedded it into popular culture.

The enduring popularity of the name Elizabeth is a testament to its versatility, regal associations, and the powerful, admirable women, both real and fictional, who have borne the name.