Uncommon Nicknames for Elizabeth

Sweet but sleek, and distinctive, Liesl is an old German nickname-name for Elisabeth. It might have once seemed inextricably tied to to its country of origin, but now, like Elsa, Enzo, Saoirse, Freya, Soren, and Heidi, it leans more towards being international and European chic.

The longer Isabella stays in the Top 10—and it's been there for more than a decade—the more we hear the nickname Izzy (especially if we watch Grey's Anatomy). it's just a matter of time before it stands on its own, as it has as a first name for the daughter of Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher.

Some might think a girl named Liz on her birth certificate would feel deprived of her full identity, but in a time when mini names like Liv, Kit, Tru, Kai, Lou, and Bea are in style, Liz feels substantial enough that its bearer won't feel bereft.

A less common relic of the Claudette-Paulette-Annette era. Babette's Feast is a 1987 Danish film based on a Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen) story about a cook who wins the lottery and prepares an elaborate feast.

While traditionally pronounced as a homonym for Lee, Glee actress Lea Michele pronounces her name like Leah, and it may also rhyme with Freya. Regardless of your preferred pronunciation, it's interesting to note that Lea has always charted in the US Top 1000, despite coming close to the bottom a few times, making it one of the girl names starting with L that both fits in and stands out.

Liza's heyday was the mid-1970s, following on the heels of super-popular sister Lisa. But thanks to the fact that it never became superpopular, Liza remains a name not especially tied to one generation or style.

Bettina is a dainty ballerina version of Betty, that has not been heard much since its 1950s-60s heyday. Bettina appeared in the Danielle Steele novel Loving, and in real life as one of Grace Kelly's bridesmaids.

Buffy was a one-time sorority girl with a roommate named Muffy, then a fearless vampire slayer, though still basically fluffy. You might think of Buffy as the feminine version of Chip or Bud -- an all-purpose nickname now buried in a mid-century time capsule.

We've seen Beatrice and Beatrix climb in popularity, along with traditional nickname Bea. And now there's Bee, giving it a buzzy nature world spin, plus a tie to popular late night TV''s Samantha Bee, not to mention Aunt Bee on the old The Andy Griffith Show TV show. Bee can theoretically be short for any girl names starting with B.

After a century of association with horses and cows, this name just could be ready for revival by a fearless baby namer -- after all, it did happen to Jessie and Becky.

Cute and unusual as a nickname, but lacking the legs to stand on its own.

An unusual possibility; Zea would fit right in with schoolmates named Tea and Leya.

Lizzie was commonly used as an independent name in the last half of the nineteenth century. Today Lizzie is still one of the most stylish short forms of Elizabeth, but few U.S. parents put it on the birth certificate.

Pronounced a la Bette (Betty) Davis or Bette (Bet) Midler, a twentieth-century relic. Though if the equally vintage Betty comes back, Bette may be close behind.

Familiar in Mexico and South America, this short form of classic Elizabeth is familiar among Hispanic communities and is predominantly used in Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia. Appealing to those who like the French Lisette and want a lesser-used short form of Elizabeth, it was given to 115 girls in the US in a recent year.

Zibby is the adorable, zippy nickname for Elizabeth used for the lead female character in the film "Liberal Arts." Zibby can make a Libby for the 21st century.

Although she declared her independence as far back as the reign of Elizabeth I — Good Queen Bess, Bess now sounds less passé than Beth or Betsy.

A playful and vintage nickname for Elizabeth, Isabelle, or Isabella, if you're hoping to avoid Izzy, Lizzy, Belle, or Beth.

A condensed version of Elizabeth made more familiar by The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo's Lisbeth Salander.

Elize is a feminine name that is a variant of Elizabeth, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' This simplified form offers a modern, streamlined alternative to the classic Elizabeth while maintaining its elegant essence. Popular in various European countries, particularly in the Netherlands and South Africa, Elize combines sophistication with approachability. The name gained moderate popularity in the late 20th century and continues to appeal to parents seeking a name that feels both traditional and contemporary. Its concise form and pleasing sound make it distinctive without being complicated, offering a perfect balance between familiarity and uniqueness.