Holding steady, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Bess since 1880
Babies named Bess per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,099 |
| 1890s | 1,526 |
| 1900s | 1,030 |
| 1910s | 1,076 |
| 1920s | 645 |
| 1930s | 251 |
| 1940s | 270 |
| 1950s | 257 |
| 1960s | 219 |
| 1970s | 203 |
| 1980s | 293 |
| 1990s | 127 |
| 2000s | 97 |
| 2010s | 59 |
| 2020s | 19 |
Meaning & origin
Bess is a concise, old-fashioned name that peaked in popularity in 1887, ranking among the top girl names of that era. While its rank has declined significantly, as of 2025 it is given to roughly 1 in 321,453 newborns annually, reflecting its status as a rare but recognizable choice. The name's trajectory has remained stable in recent years, maintaining a quiet presence rather than experiencing a revival. Historically associated with Queen Elizabeth I, who was affectionately called Bess, the name carries a touch of royal English heritage. It is often considered a diminutive of Elizabeth, which has deep biblical roots. Today, Bess offers a simple, vintage alternative to more common Elizabeth-derived nicknames like Ellie or Beth.
Bess is a traditional English diminutive of Elizabeth, derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva. It has been used as an independent given name since the 16th century, often associated with Queen Elizabeth I, who was sometimes called Bess. The name enjoyed popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States, where it ranked among the top 100 names from the 1880s through the 1910s.
Where Bess is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Bessie
Sibling names for Bess
Names that share Bess's style, for a brother or sister.
