Declining since 1985, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Bettina since 1903
Babies named Bettina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 36 |
| 1910s | 248 |
| 1920s | 248 |
| 1930s | 224 |
| 1940s | 537 |
| 1950s | 909 |
| 1960s | 1,641 |
| 1970s | 1,115 |
| 1980s | 990 |
| 1990s | 249 |
| 2000s | 132 |
| 2010s | 103 |
| 2020s | 50 |
Meaning & origin
Bettina entered U.S. records in 1903 and reached its highest popularity in 1965, the peak year when it was most frequently given. Since 1985, the name has steadily declined in use. In 2025, it ranked 10,107, with roughly 1 in 178,585 newborn girls receiving it. Although its top states are not recorded in the data, Bettina has a distinctly European feel, rooted in Italian, German, and Hungarian traditions as a diminutive of Elizabeth. The name carries a classic charm but remains uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth without being trendy.
Bettina originated as an Italian and German diminutive of Elizabeth, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God is abundance.' The name was popularized in German-speaking countries through the 19th century, often used as an independent given name rather than a nickname. In Hungary, it became common as a standalone name as well.
Where Bettina 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.
“Bettina” around the world
Where Bettina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Betti, Tina, Bina
Sibling names for Bettina
Names that share Bettina's style, for a brother or sister.
