Betsey is a charming and unique given name of English origin. It is a diminutive form of the name Elizabeth, which means "God is my oath" or "God is my promise." Betsey shares this significant meaning with its longer form, conveying a sense of devotion, faith, and trustworthiness.
The name Betsey has been popular throughout history, particularly in England and North America. It gained prominence during the Victorian era and was often used as a nickname for girls named Elizabeth or other similar names like Beth or Bess. This trend continued into the 20th century, with Betsey being a common choice among parents seeking a more casual yet endearing name for their daughters.
Notable figures have contributed to the enduring appeal of the name Betsey. One such example is Betsey Johnson, an American fashion designer known for her vibrant and feminine designs. Born as Elizabeth "Betsey" Norse in 1942, she embraced her given name and even incorporated it into her successful clothing label, further popularizing the moniker.
Today, Betsey remains a beloved and distinctive choice among parents looking to bestow a unique yet familiar name upon their daughters. Its rich history, shared meaning with Elizabeth, and charming sound make it an appealing option for those seeking a timeless and endearing name for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Betsey has had a varied history of popularity over time in the United States.
The name first appeared in the top 1000 names list in 1884 with 5 births that year, and it maintained this level of popularity until 1893. There was a slight increase in its popularity between 1894 and 1896, with 8 and 9 births respectively.
However, the name's popularity began to grow significantly around the early 20th century. In 1921, there were 29 births, marking the start of a period where Betsey became more common. This trend continued until 1934, with the number of births reaching its peak in 1942 with 62 births.
After this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily. By 1950, there were only 38 births, and it remained around this level for most of the next two decades.
The 1970s saw a brief resurgence in the popularity of Betsey, with the number of births reaching as high as 37 in 1972. However, this increase was short-lived, and by the late 1980s, the name had fallen out of favor again.
In recent years, Betsey has remained relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year between 2001 and 2022, excluding some years where data is not available. In total, there have been 2481 births of the name Betsey in the United States since records began.
While these statistics do not provide information about the meaning or origin of the name Betsey, they offer a clear picture of how its popularity has changed over time in the United States. This data can be useful for those interested in naming trends and patterns.