Female Name
Bess
ˈbɛs
Overview
Gender
feminine
Origin
Categories
A Song of Ice and Fire characters
currently out of the US top 1000
diminutives
Family Affair characters
first ladies of the USA
Harry Belafonte repertoire
Hunters characters
Joanna Newsom songs
Louisa May Alcott characters
nicknames
Characteristics
How people perceive this name
Overall Rating
64/100
classic140%
informal140%
common100%
natural100%
wholesome120%
strong65%
simple175%
Meaning & Etymology
Bess is a diminutive form of the name Elizabeth, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath'. The name Bess has been used independently as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries. It carries connotations of simplicity and familiarity, often associated with warmth and approachability.
Etymology
Original Form:
Elizabeth
Evolution:
The name Bess evolved as a pet form of Elizabeth, gaining popularity in the Middle Ages. Over time, it became a standalone name, used independently of its original form.
Source:
Historical records and linguistic studies on English names.