Holding steady.
Popularity of Betsey since 1884
Babies named Betsey per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1942, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Betsey's real moment was 1889.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 33 |
| 1890s | 32 |
| 1900s | 27 |
| 1910s | 107 |
| 1920s | 230 |
| 1930s | 304 |
| 1940s | 495 |
| 1950s | 393 |
| 1960s | 289 |
| 1970s | 279 |
| 1980s | 177 |
| 1990s | 36 |
| 2000s | 38 |
| 2010s | 36 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Betsey is a classic diminutive of Elizabeth that saw its peak popularity in 1889, when it ranked high among U.S. births. The name first appeared in Social Security records in 1884, and it has maintained a stable trajectory, neither rising sharply nor disappearing entirely. While Betsey has never been among the most common names, it has a long history of use, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is a rare choice, with fewer than five annual births, making it a distinctive option for parents seeking a traditional name with vintage charm.
Betsey is a diminutive of Elizabeth, which derives from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God is abundance.' The name Elizabeth entered English via the Greek form Elisabet, and its many nicknames, including Betsey, Betsy, Bess, and Eliza, have been in use since the 16th century. Betsey became particularly common in the 18th and 19th centuries, often used as a standalone given name rather than a nickname.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bets, Betty
Sibling names for Betsey
Names that share Betsey's style, for a brother or sister.
