Betsy
Girl name · 58 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Betsy: 58 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 9 births in 2015.
Betsy began as a Scottish and English pet form of Elizabeth, drawing from the Hebrew *Elisheva* meaning "God is my oath" or "my God is abundance." Its most famous bearer, Betsy Ross, is credited with sewing the first American flag, while actress Betsy Blair starred in classic films like *Marty* and fashion designer Betsy Johnson brought whimsical flair to runways. No major places share the name, but the spelling and pronunciation feel distinctly Scottish—think of the old Scots diminutive *Bessie*. Though less common today, Betsy carries a warm, no-nonsense charm that has made it a steady, if quieter, choice in Scotland since the 1970s, sitting alongside its cousins Betty and Eliza.
Girl 13 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20159 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #7803 babies
- Total births
- 58since 2011
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 8%vs prior 5y