Betsy
/ˈbɛtsi/noun
A feminine given name and a familiar form of Elizabeth.
Did you know?Betsy is a long-established diminutive of Elizabeth, a name ultimately tied to the Hebrew idea of an oath to God, which is why so many nicknames around it feel oddly regal and devotional.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
Elisheva
“A name traditionally understood as meaning 'my God is an oath' or 'God is abundance.'”
Greek
Greek
Elisabet
“The Greek form of the biblical name, carried into the New Testament tradition.”
Latin
Latin
Elisabeth
“The Latinized form used widely in Christian Europe.”
Middle English
English
Besse
“An early English pet form of Elizabeth, used as an affectionate nickname.”
18th Century
English
Betsy
“A popular familiar form of Elizabeth, especially in English-speaking usage.”