Elizabeth is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my oath". It is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, which consists of the elements 'El' meaning "God" and 'sheva' meaning "oath". The name Elizabeth was popularized in the English-speaking world by Queen Elizabeth I of England.
The name Elizabeth has been borne by several notable historical figures. In addition to Queen Elizabeth I, other famous bearers of this name include Elizabeth I of Russia, Empress consort of Russia from 1745 to 1762, and Elizabeth Woodville, the queen consort of England during the Wars of the Roses.
Throughout history, the name Elizabeth has been associated with elegance, sophistication, and grace. It is often seen as a regal and dignified name, fitting for queens and other figures of high status. However, it is also a popular choice for everyday use, and can be shortened to Liz or Beth for a more casual feel.
In literature, the name Elizabeth has been used by several prominent authors, including Shakespeare in his play "The Taming of the Shrew", and George Eliot in her novel "Middlemarch". The name is also borne by several characters in popular culture, such as Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and Elizabeth Swann from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series.
Overall, Elizabeth is a classic and timeless name with a rich history and a meaningful meaning. It is a name that has been beloved for centuries and continues to be popular today.
Elizabeth has been a popular name for newborn girls in the United States over the years, with a significant increase in its popularity during the early to mid-20th century. Between 1939 and 2023, there were a total of 1,674,865 births registered with the name Elizabeth.
The name's popularity fluctuated throughout the decades. In the late 19th century, around 1880 to 1899, the number of newborn girls named Elizabeth varied between approximately 2,000 and 3,500 per year. However, it started to gain traction in the early 20th century, with over 4,000 births each year from 1905 onwards.
The name's peak popularity occurred during World War II, with a record-breaking 14,103 births named Elizabeth in 1915. This trend continued throughout the war years, reaching its zenith with 15,853 births in 1918. Even after the war, the name remained popular, with over 15,000 births per year until 1924.
After a brief decline in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the popularity of the name Elizabeth began to rise again during the post-World War II baby boom. In 1947, there were over 13,000 births named Elizabeth, and this number continued to grow throughout the 1950s, reaching an all-time high of 18,537 births in 1958.
The name's popularity began to wane in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with fewer than 15,000 births named Elizabeth per year. However, it remained a popular choice throughout most of the century, with over 14,000 births registered each year between 1980 and 2003.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Elizabeth has continued to decline. Between 2004 and 2023, there were fewer than 7,500 births named Elizabeth per year, with a low of just 6,566 in 2023. Despite this decrease in popularity, Elizabeth remains a classic and timeless name that has been passed down through generations.