Elizabeth is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It means "God is my oath" or "My God is my oath". The name is derived from the Greek elements "ἐλεύθερος" (eleutheros), meaning "free", and "θεός" (theos), meaning "god".
The name Elizabeth has a rich history, dating back to ancient Greece. It was borne by several prominent figures throughout history, including Elizabeth I of England, who ruled from 1558 until her death in 1603. She is known for establishing the Church of England and is often referred to as the "Virgin Queen".
The name Elizabeth has also been popular among royalty throughout Europe. Other notable bearers include Empress Elizabeth of Russia, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, and Princess Elizabeth of York.
In literature and arts, the name Elizabeth has been used by several authors and artists, contributing to its enduring popularity. For example, it is the name of the main character in George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion", which was adapted into the musical "My Fair Lady". Additionally, the name has been used in works by authors such as Jane Austen ("Pride and Prejudice") and Charlotte Brontë ("Jane Eyre").
Today, Elizabeth remains a popular choice for parents naming their daughters. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it was among the top 500 most popular names for girls born between 1990 and 2018. Variations of the name include Elisabeth, Elizebeth, and Eliza.
Overall, the name Elizabeth has a strong connection to history, royalty, and literature, making it a timeless choice for parents looking for a classic yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The data provided shows the annual birth counts for the name Elizabeth in the United States from 1983 to 1987. In 1983, there were 11 babies named Elizabeth born that year. The following year, the number of newborns with this name decreased to 5. However, the trend reversed in 1985 with a total of 7 baby girls being named Elizabeth. Then, in 1987, the birth count dropped back down to 5. Over these five years, a total of 28 babies were given the name Elizabeth across the United States.