International Variations of Elizabeth
- Elisa
Origin:
Spanish and Italian, diminutive of ElizabethDescription:
Elisa is one of the most appealing of this contingent of Elizabeth-related names. In the US, Eliza is much more stylish these days, but Elisa is very popular internationally — especially in Europe and Latin America.
- Elisabeth
Origin:
German, Dutch, Danish, English, variation of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
This spelling of the classic name is found in France, Germany, Greece, and other cultures, and is worn by such notables as Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth Shue, Elisabeth Moss, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The name's pronunciation is usually just like the Z version, but some parents choose this because they want to discourage the Liz or Lizzie short forms and so pronounce it as if it has Lisa in the middle.
- Babette
Origin:
French diminutive of Barbara, GreekMeaning:
"stranger"Description:
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.
- Iza
Origin:
Polish, Czech, and Slovene short form of Izabela, variation of Izzah "pledged to God; glory, power, strength"Meaning:
"pledged to God; glory, power, strength"Description:
A short form of Izabela, popular as a stand-alone name in Slovenia where it ranks in the Top 50. It might also be used in Poland, Czechia, Georgia, Hungary, and elsewhere as a form of Izabela/lla, Izidora, Izolda, Elizabeth, Adeliza, and similar.
- Liza
Origin:
Diminutive of Eliza and Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
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
Origin:
Diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"God is my oath"Description:
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.
- Eliska
Origin:
Czech from Hebrew, pet form of ElishevaMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Eliška is warm and friendly, in the Misha, Sasha mode.
- Ibby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
An English diminutive of Isabel or Elizabeth that works best with a longer form on the birth certificate.
- Ysabel
Origin:
Spanish variation of Isabel, variation of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Ysabel is the original spelling of this ever-more-popular name, though to English-speakers, the initial Y may confuse pronunciation. Only 14 baby girls were given the Ysabel spelling in the US last year, while Isabel and Isabelle were each given to about 1800 babies.
- Lise
Origin:
Diminutive of Elisabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Lise is most often found in the U.S. as the second half of the hybrid name Annalise. Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet bears a pretty alternative spelling, pronounced LEESE.
- Elisheva
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Elisheva was the original name of Aaron's wife in the Book of Exodus; Elisheva gains strength and distinction via the v sound.
- Izabela
Description:
Izabela is a beautiful Slavic and Polish variation of Isabella, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba meaning 'God is my oath'. This spelling is particularly common in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other Eastern European countries. Izabela carries the same regal qualities as its more common counterpart while offering a distinctive cultural connection. The name evokes images of strength and dignity, having been borne by numerous queens and noblewomen throughout European history. In Poland, it ranks among the more popular feminine names. Izabela offers the appealing nickname options of Iza, Bela, or Bella. The name balances classic elegance with a touch of exotic appeal, making it increasingly attractive to parents seeking names with international flair yet recognizable pronunciation.
- Ilse
Origin:
Dutch variation of IlsaMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.
- Chavelle
Origin:
Variation of Chevelle, variation of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Chavelle is used both as a variation of Chevelle, an American name created by Chevrolet for a 1964 car model, and as a variation of Elizabeth.
- Elli
Origin:
German, Finnish diminutive of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
In Germany and Finland, a common short form of names beginning with El-, including Elizabeth, Elina, and Elisa. About 70 baby girls were named Elli in the US last year versus 6000 named Ellie -- and countless others named Eleanor or Elizabeth et all and called Ellie -- that Elli may feel less special than you want it to.
- Lizeth
Origin:
Hispanic and Latin American short form of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
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.
- Izabel
Description:
Izabel is a distinctive feminine variation of Isabel, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath.' This spelling variation gives the classic name a contemporary twist while maintaining its historical essence. With roots tracing back through European royal history, Izabel carries an air of elegance and nobility. The 'z' spelling creates a visual uniqueness that sets it apart from more common variants. While Isabel and Isabella rank among popular girls' names in many countries, Izabel remains relatively uncommon, offering familiarity without being overused. This version has particular connections to Polish and Eastern European naming traditions, though it appears cross-culturally. Parents often choose Izabel for its blend of classical heritage and modern distinctiveness.
- Lizette
Origin:
French, diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Whether you spell it Lisette or Lizette, a somewhat dated diminutive that nevertheless retains some charm.
- Bethan
Origin:
Welsh diminutive of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Very popular in Wales, this perfectly nice name's only problem is its similarity to the dated Beth Ann. But if you're looking to honor an ancestral Elizabeth with a distinctive rare choice, Bethan might be on your short list.
- Lisbet
Description:
Lisbet is a feminine name of Scandinavian and Germanic origin, representing a shortened form of Elisabeth. This charming variation has been particularly common in Nordic countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The name combines the dignified heritage of its biblical root (Elisabeth comes from the Hebrew Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath') with a concise, accessible quality. Lisbet carries a classic feel while being less common than Elisabeth or its other derivatives like Liz or Beth. The name has a pleasant rhythm and conveys a sense of timelessness and understated elegance. Though not frequently used in English-speaking countries, its international recognition and straightforward pronunciation make it an accessible choice for parents seeking a name with European charm.