Meaning, origin, history
Betty is a name of English origin that has been popular throughout the centuries. It is a diminutive form of Elizabeth, which means "God is my oath" in Hebrew. The name Betty has been used as an independent given name since the 16th century and was originally more common among the lower classes than the upper classes. However, it gained popularity among all social classes in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it became one of the most popular names for girls during the mid-century period. Today, Betty is still a widely recognized name that evokes images of classic Hollywood stars and iconic figures from popular culture.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Betty since 1880
Total births
1,000,753
Total since 1880
Peak year
1930
38,237 births
in 2023
200
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+29%
↗
vs previous 5 years