Elizabeth: meaning and origin
Elizabeth
“My God is an oath”
About the name Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a girl’s name from the Hebrew tradition. Its meaning is “my God is an oath”. Names from Hebrew, many of them from the Bible. They have been used in English for centuries — from Hannah and Sarah to Noah, Elijah and Levi.
Elizabeth is a biblical name, found in the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament, which is one reason it has been used for centuries in English-speaking families.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Hebrew names
- Abigail 👧My father is joy · Hebrew
- Anna 👧Grace, favor; a form of Hannah · Hebrew
- Ayla 👧Oak tree · Hebrew
- Daniela 👧God is my judge · Hebrew
- Delilah 👧Delicate · Hebrew
- Eden 👧Delight; the Garden of Eden · Hebrew
- Eliana 👧My God has answered · Hebrew
- Elliot 🧒My God is the Lord; from the medieval Elias · Hebrew
- Esther 👧Star (via Persian) · Hebrew
- Gabriela 👧God is my strength · Hebrew
- Gabriella 👧God is my strength · Hebrew
- Hannah 👧Grace, favor · Hebrew
Sibling name ideas (Hebrew, boys)
- Aaron 👦Exalted, mountain of strength · Hebrew
- Abraham 👦Father of many · Hebrew
- Adam 👦Man, earth · Hebrew
- Amos 👦Carried by God · Hebrew
- Ari 👦Lion · Hebrew
- Asher 👦Happy, blessed · Hebrew
- Benjamin 👦Son of the right hand · Hebrew
- Boaz 👦Swiftness, strength · Hebrew
More girl names starting with E
- Eden 👧Delight; the Garden of Eden · Hebrew
- Eleanor 👧Light; from the medieval name Aliénor · French
- Elena 👧Bright, shining light; a form of Helen · Greek
- Eliana 👧My God has answered · Hebrew
- Ella 👧All, completely; also a short form of Eleanor · German
- Ellie 👧Light; a short form of Eleanor and Ellen · English
- Eloise 👧Healthy, wide · French
- Elsa 👧My God is an oath; a short form of Elisabeth · German
- Ember 👧A glowing piece of coal · English
- Emi 👧Blessed with beauty, smile · Japanese
Questions and answers
What does the name Elizabeth mean?
Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin. It means: my God is an oath.
Is Elizabeth a boy or girl name?
Elizabeth is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Elizabeth have?
Elizabeth has 9 letters and about 4 syllables.
Is Elizabeth a popular name?
Yes. Elizabeth has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.