Liese

♀ Girl

Pronounced LEE-zuh /ˈliːzə/Medium

Meaning: Liese is a German diminutive of Elisabeth, and by extension of Elise, so it inherits Elisabeth's Hebrew meaning, 'my God is an oath' or 'God is abundance.' It was long used affectionately in German-speaking families.Low

In 30 seconds: Liese is a German pet form of Elisabeth, carrying the meaning 'my God is an oath.' Rare in the US, it peaked around 1961 (said LEE-zuh).

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Origin MediumGerman, Hebrew

MeaningLiese is a German diminutive of Elisabeth, and by extension of Elise, so it inherits Elisabeth's Hebrew meaning, 'my God is an oath' or 'God is abundance.' It was long used affectionately in German-speaking families.

U.S. rank (1980)#11356 ↘ Falling

1980 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1961

Total births (all-time)≈ 144

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

Liese is a German short form of Elisabeth, the biblical name from Hebrew meaning 'my God is an oath.' Used for centuries as an affectionate pet name in German-speaking lands, it also stands on its own, and reached American records with German heritage families. Its meaning is inherited whole from Elisabeth.

In the United States it was always rare, given to only about sixteen girls a year at its peak around 1961. A girl named Liese then would be a grandmother today.

Did you know? Liese sits at the heart of a large German nickname family, alongside Lieschen, Liesl and Lisa, all warm short forms of the stately Elisabeth.

Overall data confidence 50%

References - Liese — German diminutive of Elisabeth (Hebrew 'my God is an oath'); traced to parent name

Variations

ElisabethLieslLise

Nicknames

LiesLisa

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Liese…

Liesl— a fellow German short form of Elisabeth

Elise— the related name Liese also shortens

Lisette— a like European diminutive

Greta— a similar vintage German pet name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Liese mean?

It is a German short form of Elisabeth, so it carries Elisabeth's Hebrew meaning, 'my God is an oath.'

How do you pronounce Liese?

It is said LEE-zuh /ˈliːzə/, two syllables with the stress on the first.

Is Liese a boy or girl name?

Liese is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Liese?

It was always rare in the United States, peaking gently in the early nineteen-sixties among German heritage families.