Holding steady.
Popularity of Besse since 1880
Babies named Besse per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 214 |
| 1890s | 211 |
| 1900s | 102 |
| 1910s | 78 |
| 1920s | 66 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Besse is a short form of Elizabeth that saw its heyday more than a century ago. First recorded in the U.S. in 1880, it reached its peak in 1889, when it was given to several hundred newborns per year. Since then, its usage has declined steadily, and it is now an uncommon vintage gem. The name appeared primarily in the 1880s, consistent with the broader trend of Elizabeth nicknames like Bessie and Lizzie. Today, Besse retains a quaint, old-fashioned charm, appealing to parents seeking a genuinely rare name with deep historical roots.
Besse originated as a diminutive of Elizabeth, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath.' It was most commonly used as a nickname for Elizabeth in medieval England before becoming an independent given name in the 19th century. The name saw its peak popularity in the 1880s.
Sibling names for Besse
Names that share Besse's style, for a brother or sister.
