August 28, 2008

Elizabeth

Elizabeth ~ God is my oath ~ Hebrew

History
Quite possibly the most classic female name of all time, Elizabeth has an impressive history with thousands of years of renown. It was the name of at least 14 different European queens, including the current Queen of England. It was the name of John the Baptist's mother in the Bible. It has represented princesses, empresses, and saints.

Popularity
Elizabeth has been a cherished choice among Americans as well as Europeans. The record speaks for itself: Elizabeth has never dropped below #26 in baby name rankings in our country's history. It has thrived not just because it has been passed down through generations of American families like an heirloom, but because of its appealing sound, abundant variations, and rich history.

If you are wondering how this name will be received by others, let me assure you that nearly everybody in America likes it. I make no exaggeration. You like it. I like it. Your mother likes it. My friend Sean likes it, a guy who mused about naming his future daughter Elizabeth before he even met the woman he'd marry. Who can blame him? It's gorgeous.

Variations
If you find the full name too popular or traditional, Elizabeth has an insurmountable number of variations. My favorite is Lizzy, perhaps influenced by the character from Pride and Prejudice. Here are just a few.

  • Bess
  • Beta
  • Beth
  • Betina
  • Betsy
  • Bette
  • Betty
  • Eliza
  • Elsie
  • Elissa
  • Elsa
  • Isabel
  • Libby
  • Liliana
  • Lisa
  • Liza
  • Lisbeth
  • Lisveta
  • Liz
  • Lizzie/Lizzy
  • Sabella
  • Vetta
  • Ysabel
  • Zizi

Celebrities Named Elizabeth
  • Elizabeth Taylor
  • Elizabeth Hurley
  • Elisabeth Hasselbeck
  • Elizabeth Mitchell
  • Elizabeth Perkins
  • Elizabeth Shue
Celebrity Babies Named Elizabeth
Lots of celebrity babies have Elizabeth as a middle name, as it's one of the most common middle names in America. For example...

4 comments:

  1. hehe... that's my name :) but it's actually kind of annoying to have. especially during school when you have to write the 9-letter name hundreds of times each day but I love my nickname, Lizzie. I'm a teenager so Elizabeth sounds too serious for me at the time but I love Lizzie because it sounds spunky and fun and sounds like someone who loves to have fun which explains me. In the future I'm sure I'll love to introduce myself as "Elizabeth" when I apply to jobs and such but for now Lizzie is the best way. But consider this if you have a long name, it's hard to write a long first and last name everyday millions of times at school like I have to so remember that for your future kid's sake. Believe me, I wish my parents did.

    xoxo, lizzie :)

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  2. and i meant if you have a long last name, sorry! and i love the endless nickname choice so that each of my friends have an unique nickname to call me. it's fun to have i will admit :)

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  3. I love the name Elizabeth, but it seems too popular for a middle name.

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