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Elisabeth

♀ Girl

Pronounced eh-LIZ-uh-beth /ɪˈlɪz.ə.bɛθ/High

Meaning: From Hebrew Elisheba, composed of El (God) and sheba (oath, promise, or seven, suggesting fullness); meaning my God is an oath, pledged to God, or God is my abundance; the form Elisabeth is the German and French romanisation used across EuropeHigh

In 30 seconds: Elisabeth is the German and French spelling of Elizabeth, from Hebrew Elisheba meaning my God is an oath, borne by two English queens and the mother of John the Baptist, and distinguished from the standard English form by its -s- rather than -z-.
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Origin HighHebrew, Greek
MeaningFrom Hebrew Elisheba, composed of El (God) and sheba (oath, promise, or seven, suggesting fullness); meaning my God is an oath, pledged to God, or God is my abundance; the form Elisabeth is the German and French romanisation used across Europe
U.S. rank (2025)#925 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births282 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2001
Total births (all-time)≈ 48,011

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200118802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Elisabeth is the German, French, and many European languages' form of the Hebrew name Elisheba, which appears in Exodus 6:23 as the name of Aaron's wife. The name composed of El (God) and sheba (oath, or possibly seven, symbolizing fullness) means my God is an oath or pledged to God. Through Greek Elisavet and Latin Elisabeth, the name spread throughout the Christian world. In the New Testament, Elisabeth is the name of the mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1), making it a major New Testament women's name.

The -s- spelling Elisabeth (rather than the English -z- Elizabeth) is used in German, French, Dutch, Scandinavian, and many other European traditions. In the United States both spellings appear but Elizabeth (with z) is dominant. Parents who choose Elisabeth specifically often do so to honor European heritage, to distinguish it from the common Elizabeth, or for aesthetic preference. The name has been borne by queens across England, Belgium, Austria, and Romania, giving it extraordinary royal pedigree across multiple countries.

Did you know? Elisabeth is the spelling used by both Queen Elisabeth of Belgium and by the title character of the blockbuster Austrian musical Elisabeth (1992) — about Empress Elisabeth of Austria — which has become one of the most successful German-language musicals ever written, having been seen by over 10 million people.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Elisabeth — German form and Hebrew origin

Variations

ElizabethElspethEliseElsie

Nicknames

ElisaLisaLizBetteEllieBessBeth

Famous Bearers

  • ★Elisabeth of Austria (1837–1898)
    Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, known as Sisi, celebrated for her beauty and tragic assassination in Geneva; subject of a major Austrian musical.

If you like Elisabeth…

Elizabeth— the English -z- spelling of the same name with identical meaning and pronunciation
Eleanor— four-syllable classic European queens name with the same regal historical weight
Josephine— four-syllable European feminine classic with comparable royal and historical depth
Victoria— four-syllable Latin feminine name with the same tradition of European royal bearers

Frequently Asked

What does Elisabeth mean?

Elisabeth comes from Hebrew Elisheba meaning my God is an oath or pledged to God.

How do you pronounce Elisabeth?

It is said eh-LIZ-uh-beth — four syllables, stress on the second. Identical in sound to Elizabeth.

What is the difference between Elisabeth and Elizabeth?

They are the same name; Elisabeth is the German, French, and European spelling while Elizabeth (with a z) is the English form.

Is Elisabeth royal?

Yes, Elisabeth has been borne by queens and empresses across England, Belgium, Austria, Romania, and other European countries.