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Help[Opinions] Elizabeth and her various nicknames
I've been contemplating Elizabeth again lately due to watching Wandavision as of late and it's main actress Elizabeth Olsen. It's definitely over popular to say the least but one cannot deny it has class. I personally prefer the German spelling Elisabeth since it looks a little softer and I have prominently German heritage. Another great thing about Elizabeth is the Vast amount of possible NNs one could go by if they wanted which is a plus. What are your favorite Elizabeth diminutives and do you have any particular reason why? I won't list them all but here are my thoughts on a few:
Lizzie- since I am a 90s baby and grew up in the US in the early 2000s it should probably come to no surprise that despite it's popularity this name usually firstly brings to mind for me the Disney character Lizzie McGuire. Not a bad character but does feel a name of that time and brings to mind crop tops and other outmoded early 2000s fashion.
Beth- Beth to me is down to earth and unpretentious. A Lizzie may bring to mind a blonde cheerleader whereas Beth brings to mind a brunette that plays the french horn at band practice. A smart and thoughtful girl. Plus thought it may sound a bit sickeningly sweet I also like the sound of "Bethy" for a purely infanthood and toddlerhood NN before moving on to simply "Beth" as a child.
Lisa- my childhood best friend was a Lisa named for her aunt Lisa so I am a bit partial to it despite it's outmoded and perhaps middle aged feel. We would call her "Lissy" (lee-see) for short as children. To me it emotes the feeling of a middle aged women but a cool one in business dress and dramatic high heels. A Lisa is cool, smooth, no nonsense and has an amazing fashion sense like a fun aunt.
Liesel- This NN may be a little harder to pull off in my region in the states but it still has such positive associations. Liesl in The Sound Of Music is a lovely character to be associated with, plus the former child actor Liesel Matthews turned philanthropist is a positive association as well since she gave up acting and dedicated her life to charity work.
Betty- There are exactly two people that I think of when I imagine the name Betty: Betty White the national treasure actress and Betty Draper the horrible homemaker character on Mad Men. I have mixed feelings about this one. It's still outdated and imo not ready for a comeback.. but still could be a nice choice later on in 10-20 years from now.
Libby- Libby is a nice name imo but doesn't feel as timeless to me as some of the other NNs. A decent stand alone name as it is but to me what I think of is when a teenager gets short with their parents and their mother referring to them as "lippy" to their dad. Still a nice name just not my favorite.
Elly/Ellie- I've been catching word that due to the increasing popularity of the El- names this NN is gaining popularity with some Elizabeth parents. I can't say I dislike it honestly it's very sweet and a little cutesy and brings to mind a free spirited and beautiful young woman like Ellie in Up. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't given this one consideration for my own favorite El- name Elodie.
Please rate my favorite names list if you have a spare moment, thank you :) https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/223226/138473
Lizzie- since I am a 90s baby and grew up in the US in the early 2000s it should probably come to no surprise that despite it's popularity this name usually firstly brings to mind for me the Disney character Lizzie McGuire. Not a bad character but does feel a name of that time and brings to mind crop tops and other outmoded early 2000s fashion.
Beth- Beth to me is down to earth and unpretentious. A Lizzie may bring to mind a blonde cheerleader whereas Beth brings to mind a brunette that plays the french horn at band practice. A smart and thoughtful girl. Plus thought it may sound a bit sickeningly sweet I also like the sound of "Bethy" for a purely infanthood and toddlerhood NN before moving on to simply "Beth" as a child.
Lisa- my childhood best friend was a Lisa named for her aunt Lisa so I am a bit partial to it despite it's outmoded and perhaps middle aged feel. We would call her "Lissy" (lee-see) for short as children. To me it emotes the feeling of a middle aged women but a cool one in business dress and dramatic high heels. A Lisa is cool, smooth, no nonsense and has an amazing fashion sense like a fun aunt.
Liesel- This NN may be a little harder to pull off in my region in the states but it still has such positive associations. Liesl in The Sound Of Music is a lovely character to be associated with, plus the former child actor Liesel Matthews turned philanthropist is a positive association as well since she gave up acting and dedicated her life to charity work.
Betty- There are exactly two people that I think of when I imagine the name Betty: Betty White the national treasure actress and Betty Draper the horrible homemaker character on Mad Men. I have mixed feelings about this one. It's still outdated and imo not ready for a comeback.. but still could be a nice choice later on in 10-20 years from now.
Libby- Libby is a nice name imo but doesn't feel as timeless to me as some of the other NNs. A decent stand alone name as it is but to me what I think of is when a teenager gets short with their parents and their mother referring to them as "lippy" to their dad. Still a nice name just not my favorite.
Elly/Ellie- I've been catching word that due to the increasing popularity of the El- names this NN is gaining popularity with some Elizabeth parents. I can't say I dislike it honestly it's very sweet and a little cutesy and brings to mind a free spirited and beautiful young woman like Ellie in Up. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't given this one consideration for my own favorite El- name Elodie.
Please rate my favorite names list if you have a spare moment, thank you :) https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/223226/138473
This message was edited 2/22/2021, 7:13 PM
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Despite Elizabeth's consistent popularity over centuries, the name doesn't feel overused / played out to me; and I'm certain the reason is its myriad nicknames. Some nicknames I would shy away from due to their ubiquity in my neck of the woods (*cough* Liz *cough*), or their dated-ness (*cough* Betty *cough* Betsy *cough*); but not the full name Elizabeth.
Some nicknames feel like separate names altogether, such as Elisa / Elise, Eliza / Liza, and Lisa. (Similar phenomenon as Molly for Mary, and Sadie & Sally for Sarah.) Elisa is a gorgeous name, but unfortunately the only Elisa I've ever known actually wasn't the nicest person, so she kind of ruined it for me. Elise is also lovely, though I'd most likely use it as a middle name (it goes with a lot). Lisa is dated, sure, but I think the name still has a lot of charm. And while I'm not big on Eliza / Liza, I do see the appeal for others.
Bess is nice on the surface (and I like associating it with Nancy Drew mysteries), but it's not really an intuitive nickname this day and age. It would feel contrived, I think.
The nicknames I like are Elle / Ellie and Beth. I have a feeling Ellie will be the "played out" nickname of the youngest generations right now.
I completely forgot about Libby until I saw it in the OP, though! My main association with Libby is the mean girl / high school rival of Sabrina in Sabrina the Teenage Witch... which isn't the best association.
Some nicknames feel like separate names altogether, such as Elisa / Elise, Eliza / Liza, and Lisa. (Similar phenomenon as Molly for Mary, and Sadie & Sally for Sarah.) Elisa is a gorgeous name, but unfortunately the only Elisa I've ever known actually wasn't the nicest person, so she kind of ruined it for me. Elise is also lovely, though I'd most likely use it as a middle name (it goes with a lot). Lisa is dated, sure, but I think the name still has a lot of charm. And while I'm not big on Eliza / Liza, I do see the appeal for others.
Bess is nice on the surface (and I like associating it with Nancy Drew mysteries), but it's not really an intuitive nickname this day and age. It would feel contrived, I think.
The nicknames I like are Elle / Ellie and Beth. I have a feeling Ellie will be the "played out" nickname of the youngest generations right now.
I completely forgot about Libby until I saw it in the OP, though! My main association with Libby is the mean girl / high school rival of Sabrina in Sabrina the Teenage Witch... which isn't the best association.
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I do like Elise, I have a cousin with it as a first name but she carries it quit well just the same. Because of her (she is a bioengineer) I always think of a very gentle, but highly intelligent woman possessing it.
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Amazingly, I did not grow up with a single Elizabeth. The first one I met was a 50-something "Liz", when I was in my 20s. And then I met a young Elizabeth, no nickname, which seemed extremely old fashioned and formal to me.
Despite not knowing many, I am tired of this name because I'm a history nerd and I feel like I've read the name "Elizabeth" a gazillion times. Its too bad because Elizabeth is actually a very interesting name visually and phonetically. That "izabe" part in the middle is so exotic, with the towers of El and th standing guard on either end: wowza.
I guess my favourite form of this name is Erzsébet, for goth reasons.
Lisa, Libby and Beth seem dated now; Ellie and Elly are not exactly dated but they have very "early 2000's kid" vibe to me - I think of kids who are perpetually 6 years old but are probably closer to 25 now, yikes. Betty would be a refreshing vintage choice - I disagree, I think it's ready to come back now, especially with Saint Betty White and the Golden Girls being worshiped by many women of childbearing age.
I also quite like Eliza, and Liza. I adore Bettina, Lilibet is adorable, Busy is weird in a fun way (Bözsi too). Bess is sort of a guilty pleasure, because I think it's silly, but I still like it.
I'm still amazed at the rising popularity of Elsie - I'm a connoisseur of ugly names that people hate, and I recognize Elsie's inherent ugliness. Yet people think it's so hip. I don't get it.
Despite not knowing many, I am tired of this name because I'm a history nerd and I feel like I've read the name "Elizabeth" a gazillion times. Its too bad because Elizabeth is actually a very interesting name visually and phonetically. That "izabe" part in the middle is so exotic, with the towers of El and th standing guard on either end: wowza.
I guess my favourite form of this name is Erzsébet, for goth reasons.
Lisa, Libby and Beth seem dated now; Ellie and Elly are not exactly dated but they have very "early 2000's kid" vibe to me - I think of kids who are perpetually 6 years old but are probably closer to 25 now, yikes. Betty would be a refreshing vintage choice - I disagree, I think it's ready to come back now, especially with Saint Betty White and the Golden Girls being worshiped by many women of childbearing age.
I also quite like Eliza, and Liza. I adore Bettina, Lilibet is adorable, Busy is weird in a fun way (Bözsi too). Bess is sort of a guilty pleasure, because I think it's silly, but I still like it.
I'm still amazed at the rising popularity of Elsie - I'm a connoisseur of ugly names that people hate, and I recognize Elsie's inherent ugliness. Yet people think it's so hip. I don't get it.
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that is amazing that you went so long without knowing one. I too knew an Elizabeth that went by it in whole with no NN (a classmate in a small school so we basically grew up together) and she was indeed very old fashioned, not really in the values sense more in her mannerisms and formality, a bit posh and dry in persona. She had a brother, John, who was the same way. Both nice enough people though. Though if you were to name fictional characters that were very formal and dry humored in nature that is probably exactly what you would name them tbh haha
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Yes, I find Elsa quite ugly. Very slimy.
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I love Elizabeth! And its absolute timelessness and wealth of nicknames is definitely part of my love.
I think it may have been you that I discussed the differences between Elisabeth and Elizabeth. I don't necessarily prefer one over the other but i seem naturally inclined to use the Z. Maybe because I know more Elzabeths?
I like Liz and Beth, but as a fellow 90s kid feel that maybe they aren't totally ready for a comeback? But the are definitely still good options and I agree with your descriptions.
Betty is probably my favorite other than Eliza (which is maybe more of its own name). I actually very much wish my husband would get behind Betty, it would solve so many problems.
Elle/Ella/Ellie are so pretty I only hesitate to truly like them because they all seem so popular 10 and under.
Other faves:
Bess, Liza, Lilibet
Maybe Betsy is ready for a comeback?
I think it may have been you that I discussed the differences between Elisabeth and Elizabeth. I don't necessarily prefer one over the other but i seem naturally inclined to use the Z. Maybe because I know more Elzabeths?
I like Liz and Beth, but as a fellow 90s kid feel that maybe they aren't totally ready for a comeback? But the are definitely still good options and I agree with your descriptions.
Betty is probably my favorite other than Eliza (which is maybe more of its own name). I actually very much wish my husband would get behind Betty, it would solve so many problems.
Elle/Ella/Ellie are so pretty I only hesitate to truly like them because they all seem so popular 10 and under.
Other faves:
Bess, Liza, Lilibet
Maybe Betsy is ready for a comeback?
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I think we did talk about that actually. I definitely prefer the S spelling over the Z but I suppose it would be a nuisance to have to correct people all the time. I'll tell you what: I once knew a women who spelled it Alizabeth and Ill admit, even though I may be in the minority I actually loved it! It gives me similar vibes as a flower name, perhaps because of Azalea.
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My favorite female MNs are flower names so I can't blame her for it haha
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I'm sorry, but I think it's so boring. Yes, it's a classic, but it has been in the top 15 for ages. There are so many. Elisabeth and Elizabeth are both fine. But Elisabeth will always have to say "with an S".
Lizzie - this was so popular in the 80s and 90s and it never sounded nice to begin with. Reminds me of "lizard". This was Elizabeth Olsen's childhood nickname (she was in movies with Mary-Kate and Ashley when she was little).
Beth - reminds me of "Little Women" and her tragic fate. I really dislike the way this sounds and it also feels very dated. Also, these days it makes more sense on its own or a nickname for Bethan or Bethany.
Lisa - this used to be #1 in the USA and is incredibly dated. Apart from that, no need to put Elisabeth on the birth certificate for this one. Just use Lisa.
Liesel - kind of cute, it reminds me of "The Book Thief".
Betty - still super dated, 50s housewife.
Libby - makes me think of "lippy" and it also feels 80s/90s. But it is better than Lizzie.
Ellie - this just doesn't work for me. Elisabeth starts with an EH sound, not an EL sound. Ellie has no etymology in common with Elizabeth it belongs to the Ella, Eleanor, Ellen - names. If you want Ellie I would prefer Eleanor. I feel like this is a name many Elizabeths choose for themselves because it seems modern and they want something else than dated Lizzie. But Eleanor is better given the choice.
I guess my vote goes to Liesel. Or maybe Liesl is better. It also honors your German heritage.
Lizzie - this was so popular in the 80s and 90s and it never sounded nice to begin with. Reminds me of "lizard". This was Elizabeth Olsen's childhood nickname (she was in movies with Mary-Kate and Ashley when she was little).
Beth - reminds me of "Little Women" and her tragic fate. I really dislike the way this sounds and it also feels very dated. Also, these days it makes more sense on its own or a nickname for Bethan or Bethany.
Lisa - this used to be #1 in the USA and is incredibly dated. Apart from that, no need to put Elisabeth on the birth certificate for this one. Just use Lisa.
Liesel - kind of cute, it reminds me of "The Book Thief".
Betty - still super dated, 50s housewife.
Libby - makes me think of "lippy" and it also feels 80s/90s. But it is better than Lizzie.
Ellie - this just doesn't work for me. Elisabeth starts with an EH sound, not an EL sound. Ellie has no etymology in common with Elizabeth it belongs to the Ella, Eleanor, Ellen - names. If you want Ellie I would prefer Eleanor. I feel like this is a name many Elizabeths choose for themselves because it seems modern and they want something else than dated Lizzie. But Eleanor is better given the choice.
I guess my vote goes to Liesel. Or maybe Liesl is better. It also honors your German heritage.
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My fave is Eliza.
But I like so many! Betsy is the cutest, I think. Betty is lovely. Lizzie is lively. Beth is light and soft. Lisa is pretty.
I'm not sold on Libby or Buffy they seem kind of heavy to me.
I've seen an Elizabeth who went by Zabe and honestly it just proves to me that Elizabeth is truly a name with infinite nicknames.
But I like so many! Betsy is the cutest, I think. Betty is lovely. Lizzie is lively. Beth is light and soft. Lisa is pretty.
I'm not sold on Libby or Buffy they seem kind of heavy to me.
I've seen an Elizabeth who went by Zabe and honestly it just proves to me that Elizabeth is truly a name with infinite nicknames.
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I was never a fan of Buffy personally it just sounds kind of harsh to me
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The one I like best is Betsy. Brisk and no-nonsense, cheerful and friendly ... streets ahead of the competition.
My daughter's mn, for family reasons, is Elizabeth. She found her fn (Beatrice, or Bea) difficult when she phoned-in to radio shows, so she took to calling herself Bess, just for those occasions. I was surprised, but it worked for her.
My daughter's mn, for family reasons, is Elizabeth. She found her fn (Beatrice, or Bea) difficult when she phoned-in to radio shows, so she took to calling herself Bess, just for those occasions. I was surprised, but it worked for her.
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I am curious if you like Betsy do you like Bitsy as well?
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Certainly not!
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My favorites are Eliza and Betsy. I also like Lizzie.
I really don't like Beth. Maybe it's Little Women, but I've always associated Beth with weakness, sickness, and death. It seems like such a sad name to me.
Liz was the dominant nickname among my peers. There were so many, it barely even registers as a sound to me, much less a name.
I really don't like Beth. Maybe it's Little Women, but I've always associated Beth with weakness, sickness, and death. It seems like such a sad name to me.
Liz was the dominant nickname among my peers. There were so many, it barely even registers as a sound to me, much less a name.
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My absolute favorites are Bessie, Elsie, and Libby (because of their sounds and looks). Betty is a wonderful nickname for Elizabeth, although it doesn't quite strike me as much as the nicknames I mentioned earlier, and I think of Betty Boop when I hear this name, she isn't that much of a bad association. I've never met a Lisa in my entire life, I'd imagine Lisa to be an intelligent mom. Lizzie sounds very vintage and popular, I'd imagine Lizzie to be a hardworking maid in 1850's Britain. I think Beth is my least favorite nickname for Elizabeth. First of all, it sounds like someone with a lisp trying to say Bess. Second of all, it sounds childish. Last, it's short, I normally like short names, but Beth is an exception. I have mixed opinions about Beth. I like Liesl, it sounds good and I have a hunch that it still could be used in the USA. I love Ellie! But I don't like Elly. Elly is very infantile and childish while Ellie is vintage and mature.
This message was edited 2/23/2021, 12:30 AM
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It's interesting how much difference a simple spelling change can make sometimes
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Never hear of Zabby yet that is indeed very unique. is it Polish?
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