Betsy
Betsy is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Pledged to God, or God is my oath.
Origin and history
Betsy originated as a traditional English diminutive of Elizabeth, which derives from the Hebrew name Elisheba. It gained widespread popularity in 18th- and 19th-century America as an independent given name. Although its overall popularity has declined since its mid-20th-century peak, it remains a recognized classic in the United States.
Popularity in the United States
48,947 babies in the United States have been named Betsy since 1880. It ranks #596 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1645.
States where it is most popular
- NY (10.3 %)
- PA (8.4 %)
- CA (7.3 %)
- NC (7 %)
- OH (6.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 166 |
| 1890-1900 | 173 |
| 1900-1910 | 189 |
| 1910-1920 | 841 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,551 |
| 1930-1940 | 3,929 |
| 1940-1950 | 6,980 |
| 1950-1960 | 10,561 |
| 1960-1970 | 8,558 |
| 1970-1980 | 5,461 |
| 1980-1990 | 4,059 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,014 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,805 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,204 |
| 2020-2029 | 456 |
Famous people named Betsy
- Betsy Ross: Upholsterer, Historical figure
- Betsy DeVos: Politician, Businesswoman
- Betsy Drake: Actress, Writer
Nicknames
Bee, Bets
Fun facts
- Betsy Ross is famous in American folklore for allegedly making the first American flag at George Washington's request.
- It developed centuries ago in England as a familiar pet form of the classic name Elizabeth.