International Variations of Elizabeth
- Elsbeth
Origin:
German variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"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.
- Eliska
Origin:
Czech from Hebrew, pet form of ElishevaMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Eliška is warm and friendly, in the MISHA/SASHA mode.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Iza
- Ysabel
Origin:
Spanish variation of IsabelDescription:
Ysabel is the original spelling of this ever-more-popular name, though to English-speakers, the initial Y may confuse pronunciation.
- 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.
- Babette
Origin:
French, diminutive of BarbaraDescription:
A less common relic of the Claudette-Paulette-Annette era.
- 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.
- Izabella
Origin:
Variation of IsabellaMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Parents seeking a way to differentiate their Isabella from all the others could consider this zippier spelling. It does have the jazzy nickname Izzy.
- Bethan
Origin:
Welsh, diminutive of ElizabethDescription:
Very popular in Wales, this perfectly nice name's only problem is its similarity to the dated Beth Ann.
- 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.
- Ela
Origin:
TurkishMeaning:
"terebinth tree"Description:
A sweet, simple mini-name that fits into many cultures. The only drawback is the potential for confusion with Ella, Ayla, and other similar names.
- Lilabet
- Etty
Origin:
French diminutiveMeaning:
"little"Description:
Ettie or Etty works as a nickname for any name with a prominent "et" sound, usually at the end: think Henrietta, Juliette or Colette. The -ette ending is a French diminutive suffix.
- Elli
Origin:
German, Finnish diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
In Germany and Finland, a common short form of names beginning with El-, including Elizabeth, Elina, and Elisa.
- 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.