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.
- Liesel
Origin:
German diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Sweet but sleek, and distinctive, Liesel 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.
- Elsbeth
Origin:
German variation of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Although they could be easily confused, Elsbeth is a fairly unusual contracted German version of Elizabeth, while cousin Elspeth hails from Scotland. With its 'beth' ending, Elsbeth feels closer to the mother name.
- 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.
- Ilsa
Origin:
German variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Ilsa is remembered as the radiant but tragic heroine of "Casablanca," and it's having something of a European resurgence.
- Sabella
Description:
Sabella is a feminine name with Italian and Latin origins, most commonly considered a shortened form of Isabella or a variant of Sabina. Isabella derives from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath,' while Sabina comes from Latin, referring to the ancient Sabine people of Italy. Sabella combines melodic quality with historical depth, featuring the soft 's' sound and flowing 'bella' ending (meaning 'beautiful' in Italian). Though less common than Isabella, Sabella has experienced modest usage in the United States and other English-speaking countries. The name carries an elegant, romantic quality with its Italian flair while remaining accessible and easily pronounced. Its connection to both beauty and ancient heritage gives it substance beyond its pretty sound.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Eliska
Origin:
Czech from Hebrew, pet form of ElishevaMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Eliška is warm and friendly, in the Misha, Sasha mode.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Else
Description:
Else is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as both a standalone name and a short form of names containing the element 'Elis' such as Elisabeth or Elise. In German and Scandinavian cultures, Else has been used independently for centuries. The name carries a simple, clean elegance with its compact four-letter formation. In Danish and Norwegian, it's pronounced 'EL-seh,' while German speakers may say 'EL-zuh.' Despite its European popularity, Else remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but became less common after the 1940s. Today, it may appeal to parents seeking a minimalist yet classic name with European flair.
- Iseabail
Description:
Iseabail is the Scottish Gaelic form of Isabel, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Elizabeth (Elisheva), meaning "God is my oath" or "God's promise." This melodic name has been used in Scotland since medieval times, particularly in the Highlands and Western Isles where Gaelic culture remained strong. While less common than its anglicized counterpart Isabel, Iseabail offers a distinctive cultural connection to Scottish heritage. Pronunciation can vary slightly by region, but it typically sounds like "EES-uh-bel" or "EE-sha-byl." Though relatively rare globally, the name has seen occasional use among families seeking to honor Scottish roots or those looking for a unique variation of the more familiar Isabel.
- Alzbeta
Origin:
Czech and Slovak variation of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
The most common form of Elizabeth in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, spelled Alžběta or Alžbeta.
- Elisabetta
Origin:
Italian variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
This version softens, feminizes, and glamorizes the long-time favorite. A fresh way to honor Grandma Betty. Elizabetta is a variation.
- Ellisif
Origin:
Icelandic variation of Elizabeth
- Yza
Description:
Yza is a rare feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Isa, which derives from Elisabeth in several European cultures, or possibly a shortened form of Izabella or similar names. In some Spanish-speaking contexts, it could be related to Isabel. The name has a distinctively minimalist and modern feel despite potential historical roots. With just three letters, Yza offers a concise yet exotic sound that works well internationally. The uncommon nature of this name makes it difficult to trace definitive patterns of use, though it appears occasionally in Spanish, Portuguese, and Filipino naming traditions. The distinctive 'Y' beginning and 'z' sound give it a contemporary edge while maintaining a soft, feminine quality.