Magnificent Elizabeth

     Today is all about Elizabeth.  On this day we celebrate the day that Our Blessed Mother journeyed, early in Her pregnancy, to help take care of her cousin, Elizabeth who was about to give birth.  The story of St. Elizabeth in the Bible is one of the most enduring and beautiful stories of all time.  It calls to mind Our Lady's Perfect Charity as a virtue for all to aspire.  Perhaps that is why the name Elizabeth has been one of the most popular girl's names in the world.  She crosses all Christian denominations, crosses all countries and continents, and crosses all cultures and classes. Elizabeth has appeal for traditional parents, modern parents, and creative parents.  And just in case you think Elizabeth is not for you, maybe it's worth checking out why I think Elizabeth is truly magnificent.

Elizabeth and Elisabeth:  These are the most popular spellings of this timeless, classic Biblical Christian name.  St. Elizabeth was, of course, the mother of St. John the Baptist, and aunt to Our Lord.  In modern times, Elizabeth immediately brings to mind royalty and celebrity.  Yet, she has just as much literary cred.  Traditional parents might be drawn to the original, especially if there is a long line of Elizabeths in the family tree.  

Don't want to call her Elizabeth?  Never fear.  There are so many sweet pet names to choose from that your little Elizabeth can stand out and make a new name for herself.  If you want that, though, it's probably best to consider something beyond Liz, Lizzie, or Beth.  Is your little Elizabeth spunky and full of energy?  Call her Bess.  Maybe she's got cute dimples and a sweet disposition.  Try Betsy.  Looking for something retro and glamorous?  Use Betty, as in Betty Grable.  Or maybe you little Elizabeth is truly one-of-a-kind.  If so, she might be just the one to make Libby unforgettable.  My favorite pet name of the bunch--Zibby--is totally creative and decidedly outside the box.

Eliza:  The shorter form of Elizabeth is sweet, proper, and sophisticated.  

Bettina:  If your looking for something different, maybe Bettina is worth considering.  It's sweet, soft, and frilly without be frou-frou.  It also rhymes with ballerina.

Really like Elizabeth but not sure if you want to give your sweetheart such a popular name?  Then try one of her international versions.  One of these would be an excellent way to honor an Elizabeth and honor your family heritage at the same time.  These are some of my favorites.


Elsa/Ilsa--Whenever I hear this I always think of Ingrid Bergman and Casablanca.  It's another soft name, similar in sound to Ella.

Elsbeth or Lisbeth--Both of these German names are contractions for Elizabeth and worth considering.  Elsbeth seems gentle; while Lisbeth has a feisty spark.

Elspeth--Although this sounds like Elsbeth, it's actually the Scottish version.  Both are lovely and gentle and the come with the absolutely adorable and underused nickname, Elsie.

Eilish--Given the fascination with Ireland, this form of Elizabeth might just work if you are looking for something different.  As typical with the Irish names, you might find yourself having to repeat it very slowly.  It's still a lovely name, though, and worth the hassle.  (Pronounced E-leesh)

Eliska--This one is my favorite on the list.  This Slavic form of Elizabeth is interesting and crisp, yet familiar. 

Lisette--Yea, I know it sounds pretty 1950s Mickey Mouse Club.  But young children don't have any recollection of that old show and they will think little Lisette is as warm as the French sun in Saint-Tropez.

Elise--This French version has always been a personal favorite.  It's simple to pronounce, easy to spell, and rolls sweetly off the tongue.  It's cute for a baby, and sophisticated enough for a young woman.

Elisa--If you like the sound of Elise but are looking for those 3 syllables, try the Spanish Elisa.  Just don't call her Alyssa.  

Elisabetta--I saved the best Elizabeth for last.  She has it all.  She's Italian.  She is undeniably feminine.  And she has those 4 syllables that lots of modern parents go ga-ga over.  

Let's talk about Isabel---

Isabel is the Spanish variation of Elizabeth.  Every St. Isabel is also known as St. Elizabeth.  They are the same name.  And there are as many variations and nicknames of Isabel as there are for Elizabeth.  Isabel, Isabelle, Isabella, Isobel, and Sabella are just a few.

Normally, I would end this blog post about right here.  But since this is the Feast Day of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Elizabeth, I have one more name to mention, Charity.  On this day we reflect on the Christian virtue of Charity--love towards our neighbor.  Considering the popularity of Hope and Faith, why not name your daughter Charity, the greatest of the cardinal virtues.  The Spanish form, Caridad, is also quiet beautiful.  This would be a most beautiful way to honor Our Blessed Mother and St. Elizabeth both.