Elisabeth

Girl Name
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/ˈɛlɪzəˌbɛθ/

Elisabeth: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Biblical Greek “Elisábet (Ελισάβετ),” a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva (‘ĕlı̂ysheba’), which in turn is composed of two elements: the “ʾēl” (God, the God of Israel) plus “sh’ vu’a (sh-b-ʿ)” (oath)". It derives from the Hebrew word "ʾēl ‎sh'vu'a > 'ĕlı̂ysheba‛ > Elisheva".

Elisabeth is a feminine name that means "This name derives from the Biblical Greek “Elisábet (Ελισάβετ),” a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva (‘ĕlı̂ysheba’), which in turn is composed of two elements: the “ʾēl” (God, the God of Israel) plus “sh’ vu’a (sh-b-ʿ)” (oath)". Its Hebrew origins reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its profound significance and timeless appeal.

Quick Facts About Elisabeth

Quick facts about Elisabeth
OriginHebrew
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Biblical Greek “Elisábet (Ελισάβετ),” a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva (‘ĕlı̂ysheba’), which in turn is composed of two elements: the “ʾēl” (God, the God of Israel) plus “sh’ vu’a (sh-b-ʿ)” (oath). In turn, the name means “my God is an oath, my God is abundance.” shavu’ót (plural form) is a Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring, a harvest festival, also commemorating the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This name and its variants are spread all over the world. The name appears in the Old Testament as the name of Aaron’s wife “Elisheva,” and in the New Testament as the name of the wife of the priest Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. Linked to this root we can find: Elizabeth I, queen regnant of England and Ireland, Elizabeth of Hungary (Erzsébet), princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and Elizabeth of Aragon (Elisabet in Catalan, Isabel in Aragonese), queen consort of Portugal, a tertiary of the Franciscan Order and is venerated as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

ʾēl ‎sh'vu'a > 'ĕlı̂ysheba‛ > Elisheva

How to Pronounce Elisabeth

Elisabeth is pronounced /ˈɛlɪzəˌbɛθ/(Hebrew)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: El-is-ab-eth
  2. Say it like: "EHLEEHZOOHBEHTH"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Elisabeth enjoys international appeal, used in 13 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, norwegian, icelandic, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

englishnorwegianicelandicold norseswedishdanishfaroesefinnishgreenlandicdutchlatinold danishgerman
Frequently Asked Questions About Elisabeth
What does the name Elisabeth mean?
Elisabeth means "This name derives from the Biblical Greek “Elisábet (Ελισάβετ),” a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva (‘ĕlı̂ysheba’), which in turn is composed of two elements: the “ʾēl” (God, the God of Israel) plus “sh’ vu’a (sh-b-ʿ)” (oath). In turn, the name means “my God is an oath, my God is abundance.” shavu’ót (plural form) is a Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring, a harvest festival, also commemorating the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This name and its variants are spread all over the world. The name appears in the Old Testament as the name of Aaron’s wife “Elisheva,” and in the New Testament as the name of the wife of the priest Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. Linked to this root we can find: Elizabeth I, queen regnant of England and Ireland, Elizabeth of Hungary (Erzsébet), princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and Elizabeth of Aragon (Elisabet in Catalan, Isabel in Aragonese), queen consort of Portugal, a tertiary of the Franciscan Order and is venerated as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.". The name comes from ʾēl ‎sh'vu'a > 'ĕlı̂ysheba‛ > Elisheva. In its original form, the name derives from ʾēl ‎(אֵל) sh'vu'a ‎(שְׁבוּעָה) Elisheva (אלישבע) Elisábet (Ελισάβετ). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Elisabeth for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Biblical Greek “Elisábet (Ελισάβετ),” a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva (‘ĕlı̂ysheba’), which in turn is composed of two elements: the “ʾēl” (God, the God of Israel) plus “sh’ vu’a (sh-b-ʿ)” (oath). In turn, the name means “my God is an oath, my God is abundance.” shavu’ót (plural form) is a Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring, a harvest festival, also commemorating the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This name and its variants are spread all over the world. The name appears in the Old Testament as the name of Aaron’s wife “Elisheva,” and in the New Testament as the name of the wife of the priest Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. Linked to this root we can find: Elizabeth I, queen regnant of England and Ireland, Elizabeth of Hungary (Erzsébet), princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and Elizabeth of Aragon (Elisabet in Catalan, Isabel in Aragonese), queen consort of Portugal, a tertiary of the Franciscan Order and is venerated as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Elisabeth's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Elisabeth?
Elisabeth is a hebrew name. The name traces back to ʾēl ‎sh'vu'a > 'ĕlı̂ysheba‛ > Elisheva. The original form ʾēl ‎(אֵל) sh'vu'a ‎(שְׁבוּעָה) Elisheva (אלישבע) Elisábet (Ελισάβετ) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Elisabeth spread to become common in english, norwegian, icelandic, old norse and other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Biblical Greek “Elisábet (Ελισάβετ),” a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva (‘ĕlı̂ysheba’), which in turn is composed of two elements: the “ʾēl” (God, the God of Israel) plus “sh’ vu’a (sh-b-ʿ)” (oath). In turn, the name means “my God is an oath, my God is abundance.” shavu’ót (plural form) is a Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring, a harvest festival, also commemorating the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This name and its variants are spread all over the world. The name appears in the Old Testament as the name of Aaron’s wife “Elisheva,” and in the New Testament as the name of the wife of the priest Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. Linked to this root we can find: Elizabeth I, queen regnant of England and Ireland, Elizabeth of Hungary (Erzsébet), princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and Elizabeth of Aragon (Elisabet in Catalan, Isabel in Aragonese), queen consort of Portugal, a tertiary of the Franciscan Order and is venerated as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Elisabeth a boy or girl name?
Elisabeth is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Elisabeth has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Biblical Greek “Elisábet (Ελισάβετ),” a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva (‘ĕlı̂ysheba’), which in turn is composed of two elements: the “ʾēl” (God, the God of Israel) plus “sh’ vu’a (sh-b-ʿ)” (oath). In turn, the name means “my God is an oath, my God is abundance.” shavu’ót (plural form) is a Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring, a harvest festival, also commemorating the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This name and its variants are spread all over the world. The name appears in the Old Testament as the name of Aaron’s wife “Elisheva,” and in the New Testament as the name of the wife of the priest Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. Linked to this root we can find: Elizabeth I, queen regnant of England and Ireland, Elizabeth of Hungary (Erzsébet), princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and Elizabeth of Aragon (Elisabet in Catalan, Isabel in Aragonese), queen consort of Portugal, a tertiary of the Franciscan Order and is venerated as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Elisabeth?
Elisabeth is pronounced "/ˈɛlɪzəˌbɛθ/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Elisabeth is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, norwegian, icelandic, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Elisabeth can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. This pronunciation has been verified and represents the standard way to say the name. The name's root ʾēl ‎sh'vu'a > 'ĕlı̂ysheba‛ > Elisheva influences how Elisabeth sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Elisabeth?
Elisabeth is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Elisabeth offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Elisabeth's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Biblical Greek “Elisábet (Ελισάβετ),” a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva (‘ĕlı̂ysheba’), which in turn is composed of two elements: the “ʾēl” (God, the God of Israel) plus “sh’ vu’a (sh-b-ʿ)” (oath). In turn, the name means “my God is an oath, my God is abundance.” shavu’ót (plural form) is a Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring, a harvest festival, also commemorating the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This name and its variants are spread all over the world. The name appears in the Old Testament as the name of Aaron’s wife “Elisheva,” and in the New Testament as the name of the wife of the priest Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. Linked to this root we can find: Elizabeth I, queen regnant of England and Ireland, Elizabeth of Hungary (Erzsébet), princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and Elizabeth of Aragon (Elisabet in Catalan, Isabel in Aragonese), queen consort of Portugal, a tertiary of the Franciscan Order and is venerated as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Elisabeth holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Elisabeth commonly used?
Elisabeth spans multiple cultures, including english, norwegian, icelandic, and 10 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Elisabeth found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Elisabeth, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Biblical Greek “Elisábet (Ελισάβετ),” a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva (‘ĕlı̂ysheba’), which in turn is composed of two elements: the “ʾēl” (God, the God of Israel) plus “sh’ vu’a (sh-b-ʿ)” (oath). In turn, the name means “my God is an oath, my God is abundance.” shavu’ót (plural form) is a Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring, a harvest festival, also commemorating the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This name and its variants are spread all over the world. The name appears in the Old Testament as the name of Aaron’s wife “Elisheva,” and in the New Testament as the name of the wife of the priest Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. Linked to this root we can find: Elizabeth I, queen regnant of England and Ireland, Elizabeth of Hungary (Erzsébet), princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and Elizabeth of Aragon (Elisabet in Catalan, Isabel in Aragonese), queen consort of Portugal, a tertiary of the Franciscan Order and is venerated as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Elisabeth into their naming traditions. A child named Elisabeth will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Elisabeth is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Elisabeth?
Elisabeth carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Biblical Greek “Elisábet (Ελισάβετ),” a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva (‘ĕlı̂ysheba’), which in turn is composed of two elements: the “ʾēl” (God, the God of Israel) plus “sh’ vu’a (sh-b-ʿ)” (oath). In turn, the name means “my God is an oath, my God is abundance.” shavu’ót (plural form) is a Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring, a harvest festival, also commemorating the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This name and its variants are spread all over the world. The name appears in the Old Testament as the name of Aaron’s wife “Elisheva,” and in the New Testament as the name of the wife of the priest Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. Linked to this root we can find: Elizabeth I, queen regnant of England and Ireland, Elizabeth of Hungary (Erzsébet), princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and Elizabeth of Aragon (Elisabet in Catalan, Isabel in Aragonese), queen consort of Portugal, a tertiary of the Franciscan Order and is venerated as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Elisabeth originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Elisabeth sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Elisabeth often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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