Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Betsy
GirlEnglish, Hebrew· “my God is an oath (via Elizabeth)”
- Meaning
- my God is an oath (via Elizabeth)
- Origin
- English, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- BET-see
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,724
- US babies 2025
- 63
- Best rank
- #228 (1959)
- Peak year
- 1959
Meaning and origin of Betsy
Betsy is an English and Hebrew name that means “my God is an oath (via Elizabeth)”.
A traditional pet form of Elizabeth, Betsy goes back to the Hebrew Elisheba, 'my God is an oath'. It became popular in the eighteenth century and is closely associated with Betsy Ross, who is traditionally credited with sewing an early American flag. Betsy has a cheerful, homespun charm and a strong vintage appeal. It can be used on its own or as a nickname for Elizabeth. Bets and Bee are affectionate short forms.
Other spellings with the same sound: Betsey.
Popularity over time
Betsy has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 114 different years. Its best national rank was #228 in 1959, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,390 babies. In 2025, 63 babies were named Betsy, and it ranked #2,724 nationally. That is 50% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #519 in 1920, #254 in 1950, #413 in 1980, #1,245 in 2000, #1,470 in 2010, and #2,724 in 2025. Of the 48,947 US girls named Betsy since records began, 22% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 8,558 babies. Since 2010, 1,660 more have been named Betsy.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Janine, Cheri, Myra, Bernadette, and Patrice.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Betsy ranked highest in Georgia, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | #1396 | 6 |
| California | #2304 | 8 |
| Texas | #2431 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Betsy is usually pronounced BET-see, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with B and ends in “-sy”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Betsey.
Middle names for Betsy
A few middle names that flow with Betsy: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Betsy
Similar names
Betty Girl
BEH-tee
“short for Elizabeth; my God is an oath” · English
#1,113
Janie Girl
JAY-nee
“pet form of Jane; God is gracious” · English
#1,329
Polly Girl
PAH-lee
“pet form of Mary via Molly” · English
#2,318
Daisy Girl
DAY-zee
“day's eye” · English
#75
Joey Unisex
JOH-ee
“he will add; short for Joseph” · English
#877
Libby Girl
LIH-bee
“God is my oath” · English
#1,146
Jessy Unisex
JEH-see
“pet form of Jessica or Jesse” · English
#5,300
Krissy Girl
KRIH-see
“pet form of Kristen or Christina” · English
#16,212
Susy Girl
SOO-zee
“pet form of Susan, lily” · English
#14,736
Sadie Girl
SAY-dee
“diminutive of Sarah; princess” · Hebrew
#50
Josie Girl
JOH-see
“pet form of Josephine, 'he will add'” · English
#82
Annie Girl
A-nee
“grace, favor” · English
#182
Lists that include Betsy
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Betsy mean?
Betsy is an English and Hebrew name that means “my God is an oath (via Elizabeth)”.
What is the origin of the name Betsy?
Betsy has English and Hebrew roots. A traditional pet form of Elizabeth, Betsy goes back to the Hebrew Elisheba, 'my God is an oath'.
Is Betsy a popular name?
Not especially. Betsy ranked #2,724 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Betsy a boy or girl name?
Betsy is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Betsy?
Betsy is usually pronounced BET-see. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings