International Variations of Elizabeth
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Eliska
Origin:
Czech from Hebrew, pet form of ElishevaMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Eliška is warm and friendly, in the Misha, Sasha mode.
- Elka
Origin:
Scandinavian, pet form of AdalheidisMeaning:
"noble one"Description:
Much more manageable than the full form of the name. Possible international alternative to Ella.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Babette
Origin:
French, diminutive of BarbaraDescription:
A less common relic of the Claudette-Paulette-Annette era.
- Betta
Origin:
Diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
A modern version of the dated Betty. You might want to consider varying Elizabeth, too, to the Italian Elisabetta.
- Lusa
Description:
Lusa is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, including as a Finnish nickname for Louisa, meaning 'renowned warrior,' or as a name from various African languages. In Swahili contexts, it may relate to concepts of birth or dawn. The name's simplicity and melodic quality give it a gentle, flowing sound that works well across cultural boundaries. Lusa remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet easily pronounced. Its short, symmetrical structure follows contemporary naming trends favoring brief, vowel-rich names for girls. The name carries a subtle natural quality, evoking images of light and softness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lizbeth
Origin:
Short form of ElizabethMeaning:
"plegded to god"Description:
A condensed version of Elizabeth made more familiar by The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo's Lisbeth Salander.