What does Betty mean and where does it come from?
Betty is often considered a diminutive of Elizabeth, which has Hebrew origins (אֵלִישֶׁבַע - Elisheva) meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God's promise'. The name was popularized in the 20th century and has been famously used in various media, including the character Betty Draper in 'Mad Men'. Variants of
Cultural significance
Betty has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god's promise.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1928 — currently #1184 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Betty?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Betty?
Betty works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Betty Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Betty Rose
Floral · soft ending
Betty Mae
Sweet · timeless
Betty Claire
French influence · crisp
Betty Jane
Literary · strong
Betty Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Betty right now?
Declining — down 27 spots — currently #1184 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1184 | 202 | ▼ down 27 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #1157 | 210 | ▲ up 32 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #1189 | 205 | ▼ down 9 · +6% births |
| 2020 | #1180 | 194 | ▲ up 91 · +2% births |
| 2015 | #1271 | 191 | ▲ up 335 · +43% births |
| 2010 | #1606 | 134 | ▼ down 69 · +1% births |
| 2005 | #1537 | 133 | ▼ down 386 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #1151 | 175 | ▼ down 320 · -26% births |
| 1995 | #831 | 235 | ▼ down 259 · -42% births |
| 1990 | #572 | 406 | ▼ down 135 · -19% births |
| 1985 | #437 | 502 | ▼ down 78 · -24% births |
| 1980 | #359 | 658 | ▼ down 122 · -36% births |
| 1975 | #237 | 1,022 | ▼ down 68 · -48% births |
| 1970 | #169 | 1,966 | ▼ down 66 · -45% births |
| 1965 | #103 | 3,565 | — |
The story of Betty
Betty has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1928, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 1004K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #136 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1184 in 2023. Betty is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Betty in 1928:
Betty by decade
Betty peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,519 | |
| 1890s | 3,196 | |
| 1900s | 7,950 | |
| 1910s | 44,983 | |
| 1920s | 283,846 | |
| 1930s ★ | 301,814 | |
| 1940s | 195,353 | |
| 1950s | 103,514 | |
| 1960s | 38,562 | |
| 1970s | 11,772 | |
| 1980s | 5,190 | |
| 1990s | 2,636 | |
| 2000s | 1,431 | |
| 2010s | 1,732 | |
| 2020s | 194 | |
What are good nicknames for Betty?
ENGLISH
LeannaLianaLibbieLibbyLilliaLisetteLysette
What names sound and feel like Betty?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Betty also consider these
How is Betty written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Betty
What does the name Betty mean?
Betty means "God's promise" — 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 Betty?
Betty is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Betty have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Betty?
Betty 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 Betty?
Betty is a two-syllable name pronounced B EH1 T IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Betty trending right now?
Betty is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.