Bess

♀ Girl

Pronounced BESS /ˈbɛs/High

Meaning: A traditional short form of Elizabeth, from the Hebrew for 'God is my oath.' Long linked to Queen Elizabeth I ('Good Queen Bess'). A vintage, warm nickname-name.Low

In 30 seconds: A warm vintage name: Bess is short for Elizabeth, 'God is my oath' (said 'BESS'). Cozy and classic.

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Origin MediumEnglish, Hebrew

MeaningA traditional short form of Elizabeth, from the Hebrew for 'God is my oath.' Long linked to Queen Elizabeth I ('Good Queen Bess'). A vintage, warm nickname-name.

U.S. rank (2022)#13858 ↘ Falling

2022 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1889

Total births (all-time)≈ 7,166

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Bess is a traditional short form of Elizabeth, 'God is my oath,' famously linked to 'Good Queen Bess,' Elizabeth I. It reads cozy and vintage — rare on its own today (said 'BESS').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely on its own now. Rare, cozy, and vintage.

Did you know? Bess is a classic short form of Elizabeth ('God is my oath') — long tied to Queen Elizabeth I, 'Good Queen Bess' — a warm, vintage nickname-name (said 'BESS').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Bess — short form of Elizabeth; 'God is my oath'; 'Good Queen Bess'

Variations

BetsyBessieEliza

Nicknames

BessieBee

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Bess…

Betsy— a like Elizabeth short form

Bessie— the -ie pet form

Eliza— a like Elizabeth short form

Elsie— a like vintage Eliz- pick

Explore names like Bess

By themeenglish classic short vintage

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Bess mean?

Bess is a traditional short form of Elizabeth, from the Hebrew for 'God is my oath.'

How do you pronounce Bess?

It's said BESS /ˈbɛs/ — one syllable.

Is Bess a boy or girl name?

Bess is used here as a girl's name.

How popular is Bess?

Bess is a rare name on its own in the U.S. today.