Holding steady.
Popularity of Betha since 1886
Babies named Betha per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1923, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Betha's real moment was 1886.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 7 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 20 |
| 1910s | 58 |
| 1920s | 75 |
| 1930s | 59 |
| 1940s | 26 |
| 1950s | 27 |
| 1960s | 13 |
| 1970s | 8 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Betha is a rare feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1886, its peak year of usage. It never entered the top 1000, reflecting its status as an uncommon diminutive of Elizabeth. The name has remained stable in obscurity, with negligible contemporary use. Its one-in-N incidence is unavailable, underscoring its rarity. Betha fits within the late 19th-century naming style, alongside similar diminutives like Bessie and Betty. While no longer in common use, it retains a vintage charm for those seeking a distinctive short form of the beloved classic Elizabeth.
Betha is a diminutive of Elizabeth, derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God is abundance'. It was occasionally used as an independent given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Betha
Names that share Betha's style, for a brother or sister.
