International Variations of Elizabeth
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Elixane
Origin:
Basque, diminutive or local variant of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
A rare name even among Basque speakers (fewer than 20 women in Spain are called Elixane), this beautiful name has drawn some attention via Elixane Lechemia, the French pro-tennis player.
- Lizbeth
Origin:
English and Spanish diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
A condensed version of Elizabeth made more familiar by The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo's Lisbeth Salander.
- Elka
Origin:
Latinization of Elke, Scandinavian diminutive of AdelheidMeaning:
"noble one"Description:
Much more manageable than the full form of the name. Possible international alternative to Ella.
- Isabela
Origin:
Spelling variation of IsabellaDescription:
One fewer L makes this name much less popular than the more traditional spelling.
- 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.
- 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.
- Issa
Origin:
Variation of Isa, GermanMeaning:
"strong-willed"Description:
Issa might make more sense if you're using it as a nickname for any one of the various names ending in -issa, but this spelling is also an Arabic and Hebrew boy name. The Isa spelling is almost exclusively feminine.
- Yelizaveta
Description:
Yelizaveta is the Slavic form of Elizabeth, a feminine name with deep historical roots. Particularly common in Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian cultures, this elegant variation maintains the Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God's promise.' The name carries royal associations throughout Eastern European history, including connection to Russian empresses. Yelizaveta offers numerous nickname possibilities, including Liza, Veta, and Yeya. While maintaining popularity in Slavic countries, it remains relatively uncommon in Western nations, giving it an exotic appeal. The name's rhythmic four syllables create a melodious quality that showcases its Eastern European heritage. For diaspora families, it serves as a meaningful connection to Slavic roots while offering the familiar foundation of the internationally recognized Elizabeth.
- Lusa
Origin:
Diminutive of Elizabeth, Louisa, Lusine, Luz, or LucyDescription:
Sweet and simple with an international vibe, Lusa is used as a diminutive for a variety of different names across multiple languages. A rare choice in the US, it was chosen by influencers Ema and Branden Taylor in 2025 for their daughter Lusa Sage.
- Erzsébet
Origin:
Hungarian, variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Erzsébet, a Hungarian form of Elizabeth, has a lot of historical significance in its native country - being the native name of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, the infamous countess and serial killer Elizabeth Báthory, and Empress Elizabeth of Austria and Queen of Hungary. One of Budapest's famous bridges is also named Erzsébet Bridge.
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