Uncommon Nicknames for Elizabeth

Lydda is the name of a Biblical town whose similarity to Lydia makes it plausible as a first name. But if you're considering Lydda, we can't help but wonder: Why not just stick with Lydia?

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

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.

A bright and spirited Elizabeth diminutive, likely of Slovakian, Slovene, Czech, or Hungarian origin, Bettinka is fairly rare as a given name. Also used as a form of Benedetta, it could be an unexpected way of honoring an Elizabeth and give you the fun option of Tink or Tinkerbell as a pet form.

One of many diminutive forms of the classic Elizabeth, Telse has its origins in German where it might have been given as a nickname to an Else (think like Polly for Mary via Molly, or Nancy for an Ann), or emerged as a contraction of Sünt Else (Saint Else).

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.