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HelpRe: Bethan / Bethany
in reply to a message by Hannah
Bethany is dated. It is also a (biblical) place name, not a diminutive.
Bethan is a Welsh diminutive for Elizabeth / Beth. As such, I suppose Bethany could be used as a diminutive for Bethan, if necessary. It's never charted in the US; like Bethany it's also dated in the UK, but not as much as Bethany.
I would certainly consider Bethan for a daughter, but not Bethany. There is also Betsan, which is another Welsh diminutive - a cognate of Betsy this time - which is very uncommon and which I think I prefer. I've only ever encountered it on a BBC journalist.
I also far prefer Una to Oona, which looks and sounds babyish.
Bethan is a Welsh diminutive for Elizabeth / Beth. As such, I suppose Bethany could be used as a diminutive for Bethan, if necessary. It's never charted in the US; like Bethany it's also dated in the UK, but not as much as Bethany.
I would certainly consider Bethan for a daughter, but not Bethany. There is also Betsan, which is another Welsh diminutive - a cognate of Betsy this time - which is very uncommon and which I think I prefer. I've only ever encountered it on a BBC journalist.
I also far prefer Una to Oona, which looks and sounds babyish.
This message was edited 7/4/2021, 12:42 PM
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