# Elizabeth

/ɪˈɫɪzəbəθ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/elizabeth
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. female name

noun · CEFR A1

a popular first name for women.

For teachers: A common female given name, derived from the Hebrew 'Elisheva', meaning 'my God is an oath'.

- Elizabeth is often shortened to nicknames like Liz, Beth, or Eliza.
- Elizabeth remains a perennial favourite for parents seeking a name that balances traditional elegance with a wide variety of possible diminutives.

Usage: Often shortened to Liz, Beth, Bess, or Eliza in informal contexts.

Teaching tip: Learners should be aware that this name has many common nicknames, and the choice of nickname often depends on the person's age or preference.

## Examples

- Elizabeth is the name of my new manager.
- The history teacher explained that Elizabeth was a very popular name during the Tudor period in England.
- While the name Elizabeth remains a perennial favorite for its traditional appeal, many parents today choose it specifically for the wide variety of nicknames it offers to a child.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.