Besse

“God is my oath” — Associated with a joyfu

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1753US 2023

447Births / yr

→Stable

671All-time births

📅 Since 188000.02% of births at peak

What does Besse mean and where does it come from?

Besse is a derivative of the name Elizabeth, which has Hebrew origins ('אֱלִישֶׁבַע', Elisha) meaning 'God is my oath'. While not widely used today, it found favor in certain German and Scandinavian regions, especially noted in older historical records. Besse can sometimes be associated with a joyfu

Cultural significance

Besse has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is my oath.

Peak popularity

Reached #392 in 1889 — currently #1753 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Besse?

Besse works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Besse Grace

How popular is Besse right now?

Holding steady — currently #1753 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1753 · Top 1.3%

1880

1885

1890

1895

1900

1905

1915

1920

1925

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1753	447	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1758	427	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1763	397	▲ up 3210 · +7840% births
1925	#4973	5	▼ down 1016 · -29% births
1920	#3957	7	▼ down 1057 · -22% births
1915	#2900	9	▼ down 968 · +80% births
1905	#1932	5	▼ down 1096 · -75% births
1900	#836	20	▼ down 302 · -35% births
1895	#534	31	▼ down 111 · -16% births
1890	#423	37	▲ up 20 · +61% births
1885	#443	23	▲ up 106 · +130% births
1880	#549	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Besse

Best Year1900Rank #836

Peak Count447

Average Rank#2484

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 20238 years

The story of Besse

Besse has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 671 total births recorded, Besse remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #549 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1753 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Besse in 1889:

Mary Anna Elizabeth Margaret Emma

Besse by decade

Besse peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s ★	214
1890s	211
1900s	102
1910s	78
1920s	66

💎Besse has only 671 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Besse?

Common

BesBe

Famous people named Besse

Besse (medieval German ruler)

Besse bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Besse (Scandinavian royal)

Besse held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

Besse (German philosopher)

Besse used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Besse (Scandinavian royal)

Besse held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Besse?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Besse also consider these

Beste

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Beese

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Besser

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Bosse

Norse · A Norse name

Basse

Arabic · A Arabic name

Common questions about the name Besse

What does the name Besse mean?

Besse means "God is my oath" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Besse?

Besse is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Besse?

Besse originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Besse a common or rare name?

Besse is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Besse?

Besse naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.