A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Betty since 1880
Babies named Betty per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,519 |
| 1890s | 3,196 |
| 1900s | 7,921 |
| 1910s | 44,894 |
| 1920s | 283,096 |
| 1930s | 300,409 |
| 1940s | 194,623 |
| 1950s | 103,204 |
| 1960s | 38,397 |
| 1970s | 11,708 |
| 1980s | 5,163 |
| 1990s | 2,638 |
| 2000s | 1,446 |
| 2010s | 1,744 |
| 2020s | 1,280 |
Meaning & origin
Betty is a vintage charmer that originated as a diminutive of Elizabeth. After decades of widespread use, it reached its all-time peak in 1930, but has been experiencing a modest revival since 2006. In 2025, the name ranked 1,113th nationally and was given to roughly 1 in 7,581 newborn girls, reflecting its niche appeal today. While it no longer commands the top ten status it once held, Betty remains endearing and familiar. The name shows particular regional strength, ranking among the most favored in Utah, Missouri, and Kansas. This regional clustering suggests a continued, if localized, affection for the name. Its trajectory since the mid-2000s hints that a new generation of parents are rediscovering its spunky, retro charm.
Betty originated as a medieval English pet form of Elizabeth, which comes from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath'. It became a standard diminutive by the 17th century and was later used as an independent name. The spelling Betty, with a 'y', became the dominant form in the 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Betty 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.
“Betty” around the world
Where Betty lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bet, Betsy, Bette
Sibling names for Betty
Names that share Betty's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Doris, Marilyn, Peggy, Ruth, Shirley, Beverly, Billie, Bobbie, Judy, Margie, Maryann, Patsy, Patty, Sally, Susie, Trudy, Bess, Cathie, Dolly, Dona, Dottie, Dotty, Jerrie, Jonnie, Judi, Judie, Luann, Maryjo, Peggie, Ruthann, Vickie, Darlyne, Dorie, Gaynell, Gaynelle, Genell, Marge, Margy, Nancee, Nancie, Penney, Pollie, Rosann, Ruthanne, Sherley, Shirl, Shirlie, Babara, Betti, Binnie, Bobbe, Bobie, Carlean, Gini, Jeani, Johnita, Louellen, Marysue, Maurie, Midge, Nancey, Nancye, Patsey, Patsie, Peg, Peggi, Sammye, Babs, Beverely, Danney, Darlis, Dody, Dotti, Gloriann, Jimmye, Margi, Maryln, Molley, Normajean, Normalee, Pammy, Pegge, Peggye, Pennye, Rozann, Rudie, Sallee, Shirly, Cherrill, Gennell, Barbee, Barby, Bevely, Bobetta, Boots, Cathye, Dotsie, Georgean, Georjean, Jeany, Joeanne, Marigene, Marji, Marylon, Mitsy, Pasty, Patsye, Pegi, Ruthellen, Salle, Shirle, Vaunda, Vicke
Brothers: Arthur, Harold, Ralph, Stanley, Walter, Bill, Billy, Bobby, Gerald, Gerry, Jerry, Jimmie, Jimmy, Johnnie, Johnny, Bernie, Bud, Butch, Chuck, Denny, Dick, Dickie, Jerold, Lanny, Nickey, Russ, Stan, Darold, Gearld, Geary, Jerre, Larrie, Lary, Wally, Waymon, Willy, Bernis, Bubba, Dickey, Dicky, Jearld, Jerrald, Jimmey, Johnney, Ronnald, Tomy, Biff, Boby, Deral, Ger, Jakie, Jimie, Kenwood, Lealon, Lonney, Ranny, Reg, Skippy, Boykin, Jarry, Jery, Jimy, Norm, Roddie, Rondle, Tip
Names like Betty
Names whose popularity has moved with Betty's over the last 50 years.
