Unnamed List

Although she declared her independence as far back as the reign of Elizabeth I--Good Queen Bess, Bess now sounds less passé than Beth or Betsy.

The sweetest and most sensitive of the pet names for Elizabeth, now also one of the most dated.

Bethany is a lyrical name that still strikes many parents as a fresher, more substantial substitute for the overused Brittany/Brittney or the more antiquated Beth.

A short, breezy name with a sophisticated yet upbeat image, that doesn't betray its Irish roots. Bree first came to notice here in 1971 via the complex prostitute character in the movie Klute, which earned Jane Fonda an Oscar. More recently, it was tied to the character of Bree Van de Kamp on Desperate Housewives.

Breeda is a feminine name of Irish origin, traditionally used as an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Brighid (also spelled Bridget or Brigid). Brighid was the name of an ancient Celtic goddess associated with poetry, healing, and smithcraft, as well as the Christian St. Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland's patron saints. The name derives from the Old Irish word 'brigh' meaning 'strength,' 'virtue,' or 'high.' Breeda maintains a distinctly Irish feel while being somewhat easier to pronounce for English speakers than some traditional Gaelic names. Though never widely popular internationally, Breeda has maintained steady usage in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities, valued for its connection to Irish heritage and its melodic quality.

Bridget is the Anglicized form of Brigid, an Irish-Gaelic name that was derived from the word brígh, which means "strength."