Bessy

Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew

"pledged to God"

Bessy Origin and Meaning

The name Bessy is a girl's name.

Bessy is a charming feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Elizabeth or Bessie. With English and Scottish roots, it carries the warm, friendly quality of traditional nicknames while functioning as a standalone name. Elizabeth, from which it ultimately derives, means 'God is my oath' in Hebrew. Bessy peaked in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting an era when affectionate shortened forms were commonly used as given names. While less common today, it retains a sweet, vintage appeal that might attract parents seeking nostalgic names. The name also has rural associations through its connection to 'Bessy' as a traditional pet name for cows in British farming communities.

Famous People Named Bessy

• Bessy Gatto wife of actor and comedian Joe Gatto
• Vasileia "Bessy" Argyraki Greek pop singer

The name Bessy in Pop Culture

• Bessy cow in animated film "Barnyard"
• "Bessy " Belgian comic about a dog named Bessy
• "Bessy Bell and Mary Gray " Scottish folk ballad about two girls who die of the plague