Beth

♀ Girl

Pronounced BETH /bɛθ/High

Meaning: Short form of Elizabeth (Hebrew Elisheba: 'El' = God + 'sheva' = oath/abundance), meaning 'my God is an oath.' Also the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, meaning 'house.'High

In 30 seconds: Beth is a warm, simple English name — a beloved short form of Elizabeth meaning 'my God is an oath,' evoking quiet strength and gentle character.

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Origin HighHebrew, English

MeaningShort form of Elizabeth (Hebrew Elisheba: 'El' = God + 'sheva' = oath/abundance), meaning 'my God is an oath.' Also the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, meaning 'house.'

History & Origin

Beth originated as a diminutive of Elizabeth, which derives from the Hebrew Elisheba. As a standalone name, Beth entered widespread use in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, particularly after Louisa May Alcott's Little Women (1868) made the character Beth March an emblem of gentle virtue. It was especially popular in the mid-20th century.

Beth enjoyed peak popularity in the 1950s through 1970s in the United States and United Kingdom. It has the quality of being both timeless and slightly vintage, with a quiet dignity that has led to its continued use even as longer names have come back into fashion. Beth also stands independently in Welsh as a form of the name, deeply embedded in Welsh naming culture.

Did you know? Beth March, the gentle and musical third sister in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women (1868), is one of the most beloved Beths in literature, giving the name an enduring association with kindness and selflessness.

Overall data confidence 95%

Strong's Hebrew Concordance – Elisheba — Hebrew etymology of Elizabeth/BethLouisa May Alcott – Little Women (1868) — Cultural impact of Beth March on the name's useOxford Dictionary of English Christian Names – Beth — Historical usage as independent name

Variations

BetteBessBetsyBettieBetha

Nicknames

Bethie

Famous Bearers

★Beth Grant (1949–present)
American character actress known for roles in 'Donnie Darko', 'Little Miss Sunshine', and 'No Country for Old Men'.

If you like Beth…

Eliza— fellow short form of Elizabeth with similar vintage charm

Bess— another classic Elizabeth nickname standing alone

June— similarly short, warm, vintage one-syllable feminine name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Beth mean?

Beth is a short form of Elizabeth, from the Hebrew Elisheba meaning 'my God is an oath' or 'my God is abundance.' It also stands as the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, meaning 'house.'

How do you pronounce Beth?

Beth is pronounced BETH, as a single syllable rhyming with 'breath.'

Is Beth a boy or girl name?

Beth is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Beth?

Beth was most popular in the 1950s–1970s in the United States and United Kingdom. It remains in use as a classic, quietly elegant name and is particularly common in Wales.