What does Beth mean and where does it come from?
Beth is often considered a diminutive of Elizabeth, with roots in Hebrew where it is spelled בֵּית and translates to 'house of God'. The name is widely used in English-speaking countries and has biblical significance, appearing in numerous forms and cultures over centuries. It carries connotations o
Cultural significance
Beth has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of house of god.
Peak popularity
Reached #65 in 1961 — currently #1731 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Beth?
Beth works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Beth Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Beth Rose
Floral · soft ending
Beth Claire
French influence · crisp
Beth Jane
Literary · strong
Beth Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Beth right now?
Holding steady — currently #1731 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1731 | 469 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1736 | 449 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1741 | 419 | ▲ up 1785 · +898% births |
| 2020 | #3526 | 42 | ▲ up 5 · -5% births |
| 2015 | #3531 | 44 | ▲ up 572 · +22% births |
| 2010 | #4103 | 36 | ▼ down 1235 · -37% births |
| 2005 | #2868 | 57 | ▼ down 1637 · -65% births |
| 2000 | #1231 | 161 | ▼ down 506 · -43% births |
| 1995 | #725 | 282 | ▼ down 333 · -57% births |
| 1990 | #392 | 663 | ▼ down 193 · -51% births |
| 1985 | #199 | 1,341 | ▼ down 93 · -53% births |
| 1980 | #106 | 2,849 | ▲ up 14 · +23% births |
| 1975 | #120 | 2,324 | ▼ down 28 · -45% births |
| 1970 | #92 | 4,247 | ▼ down 26 · -26% births |
| 1965 | #66 | 5,772 | — |
The story of Beth
Beth has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. Its peak popularity was #65 in 1961. More than 159,532 babies have been named Beth since 1884. Once ranked #786 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1731 in 2023. Beth is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Beth in 1961:
Beth by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 77 | |
| 1890s | 240 | |
| 1900s | 334 | |
| 1910s | 2,027 | |
| 1920s | 3,101 | |
| 1930s | 3,311 | |
| 1940s | 8,660 | |
| 1950s | 34,039 | |
| 1960s ★ | 58,521 | |
| 1970s | 28,949 | |
| 1980s | 15,421 | |
| 1990s | 3,456 | |
| 2000s | 943 | |
| 2010s | 411 | |
| 2020s | 42 | |
What are good nicknames for Beth?
ENGLISH
LeannaLianaLibbieLibbyLilliaLisetteLysette
What names sound and feel like Beth?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Beth also consider these
How is Beth written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Beth
What does the name Beth mean?
Beth means "house of God" — a name rooted in English 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 Beth?
Beth 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 Beth?
Beth originates from English tradition. English 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 Beth?
Beth is a one-syllable name pronounced B EH1 TH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Beth sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Beth flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Beth ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.