Bettye
Bettye is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Pledged to God or God is my oath.
Origin and history
Bettye is a vintage English feminine name derived as a diminutive variant of Elizabeth, which stems from the Hebrew name Elisheba. Popular in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, it features the silent trailing 'e' spelling common in traditional American naming patterns. Today, it is rarely given to newborns, carrying a nostalgic retro appeal.
Popularity in the United States
22,920 babies in the United States have been named Bettye since 1880. It ranks #967 all-time.
States where it is most popular
- TX (15.7 %)
- TN (12.4 %)
- AL (12.2 %)
- MS (11 %)
- GA (7.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 10 |
| 1890-1900 | 37 |
| 1900-1910 | 93 |
| 1910-1920 | 550 |
| 1920-1930 | 4,629 |
| 1930-1940 | 7,051 |
| 1940-1950 | 6,979 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,803 |
| 1960-1970 | 527 |
| 1970-1980 | 132 |
| 1980-1990 | 71 |
| 1990-2000 | 38 |
| 2000-2010 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 0 |
| 2020-2029 | 0 |
Famous people named Bettye
- Bettye LaVette: Singer, Songwriter
- Bettye Saar: Artist, Sculptor
- Bettye Ackerman: Actress
Nicknames
Betty, Bet, Bee
Fun facts
- Bettye was most commonly used in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s alongside the popular spelling Betty.
- It originated as a pet form of Elizabeth before gaining recognition as a standalone given name.