Bess
/bɛs/noun
A diminutive form of the female given name Elizabeth, and occasionally a proper name or dialectal term in historical usage.
Did you know?Bess is a pet form of Elizabeth, a name that ultimately comes from Hebrew elements meaning “God is my oath,” so even a small nickname can carry an ancient vow.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Heb
Elishevaʿ
““God is my oath” or “my God is an oath.””
Greek
Grk
Elisabet
“Greek form of the biblical name Elizabeth.”
Latin
Lat
Elisabeth
“Latin biblical and medieval form of the name.”
Middle English
Eng
Besse
“A pet form of Elizabeth, used as a familiar female given name.”
Modern English
Eng
Bess
“A diminutive of Elizabeth; also used as a proper name.”