📅 Since 1880🏆 48 years in top 1001.31% of births at peak
How to pronounce Bessie
BES·ee
/ˈbɛs.iː/ · stress on BES · 2 syllables
“God is my oath”
American origin · Unisex name
What does Bessie mean and where does it come from?
Bessie can be a diminutive of Elizabeth. The name means 'God is my oath' in Hebrew and has been popular in the United States and England from the 19th century onwards. Bessie was a common name for African American women during the early 20th century and was sometimes used in folk songs and literatur
Cultural significance
Bessie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is my oath.
Holding steady — currently #1519 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1880–2023#1519 · Top 1.1%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#1519
681
▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022
#1524
661
▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021
#1529
631
▲ up 5327 · +3844% births
2020
#6856
16
▲ up 2609 · +45% births
2015
#9465
11
▲ up 2800 · +38% births
2010
#12265
8
▼ down 4768 · -47% births
2005
#7497
15
▼ down 3517 · -52% births
2000
#3980
31
▼ down 10 · +19% births
1995
#3970
26
▼ down 2066 · -64% births
1990
#1904
73
▼ down 445 · -14% births
1985
#1459
85
▼ down 174 · -14% births
1980
#1285
99
▼ down 328 · -24% births
1975
#957
131
▼ down 112 · -18% births
1970
#845
160
▼ down 266 · -41% births
1965
#579
272
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Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Bessie
1900Rank #15
3,906
#2059
↘Falling
1900 - 202328 years
The story of Bessie
Bessie has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #9 in 1889, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 170,802 babies have been named Bessie since 1880. Once ranked #23 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1519 in 2023. Bessie is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Bessie means "God is my oath" — a name rooted in American 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 Bessie?
Bessie is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bessie?
Bessie originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bessie?
Bessie is a two-syllable name pronounced B EH1 S IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Bessie a common or rare name?
Bessie is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Sibling names that pair with Bessie
For a sister
Bessie & Hazel♡
Bessie & Josie♡
Bessie & Georgia♡
Bessie & Walter♡
For a brother
Bessie & John♡
Bessie & Everett♡
Bessie & Josie♡
Bessie & Georgia♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#1519
🇬🇧 UK
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🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
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