Uncommon Nicknames for Elizabeth

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.

The sweetest and most sensitive of the pet names for Elizabeth, now also one of the most dated.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Despite its varied cultural ties, Zizi still sounds like a cancan dancer or a fluffy lapdog.

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.

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.

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.

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

One of the many variations of classic Elizabeth, similar to the French Lisette or English Lizette. It is predominantly used in South America, though a small handful of girls are given the name each year in the US. Also spelled Lisseth and, more popularly, Lizeth, the ending may be pronounced as -EHT or -ETH, depending on region and preference.

Bet is a short, sweet name that serves as a diminutive of Elizabeth, one of history's most enduring female names. While Beth is the more common nickname, Bet offers an even more concise alternative with historical precedent. Elizabeth originates from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' In earlier centuries, particularly in England, Bet was a fairly common familiar form of Elizabeth. The name has a direct, unpretentious quality to it, reflecting straightforwardness and reliability. Despite its brevity, Bet carries the rich historical and religious significance of the full name Elizabeth while maintaining a distinct personality of its own.

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