You can’t get much more classic or versatile than Elizabeth.
It’s derived from the Hebrew Elisheva, which means ‘God is my oath’, and has been in use since at least the twelfth century, when Saint Elizabeth of Hungary lived. Since then, it is most famous as the name of two of England’s most celebrated queens.
It has virtually never fallen out of fashion, and since the United States started keeping records it has never fallen any lower on the Social Security charts than 26.
Elizabeth is popular as a middle name itself, but I think it makes a beautiful choice for a first name as well.
One of the most appealing aspects of the name Elizabeth is how versatile it is. The full name is distinguished for a professional woman to use, but it also has more than a dozen nicknames to choose from, so you don’t need to worry if your daughter isn’t the only Elizabeth in her class- choose a great nickname and you will have the best of both worlds!
From Eliza to Eliza, from Bess to Beth to Betty to Betsy, Liz to Libby to Lisa to Lilibet (Queen Elizabeth II’s childhood nickname, based on how she mispronounced her name when she was young!), there is something to suit almost anybody.
When pairing Elizabeth with a middle name, you can take a few different routes to arrive at a totally different feel. So when choosing a middle name for Elizabeth, decide if you’re looking for a regal Victorian feel, old school retro, sleek and modern, or sweet and simple.
Classic and Regal
If you’re feeling fancy, have some fun with an elaborate yet classic middle name to play up Elizabeth’s regal side by checking out some names from the Edwardian and Georgian eras.
Elizabeth Georgina, Elizabeth Rosalind, Elizabeth Josephine, Elizabeth Penelope, Elizabeth Cecilia, Elizabeth Juliet, Elizabeth Louise, or Elizabeth Victoria bring out the name’s feminine side.
Elizabeth Victoria doubles down on the ‘queen’ theme, and Georgina is the feminine form of George, another name found frequently throughout Queen Elizabeth’s family tree.
One thing to keep in mind with this type of name is that it generally flows the best if the last name is on the shorter side. It’s easy to forget because it is so familiar, but Elizabeth is a four-syllable name.
Paired with another three- or four-syllable name, it could become a bit of a mouthful if you have a long or complicated last name.
Old School Retro
With a long last name, Elizabeth might be best paired with a shorter middle name. Skip ahead a few decades to the nineteen-thirties and forties for a sweet retro feel.
Elizabeth Ruth, Elizabeth Joy, Elizabeth Mae, Elizabeth June, Elizabeth Vera, Elizabeth Joan, Elizabeth Hazel, Elizabeth Pearl, Elizabeth Faye, Elizabeth Louise, or Elizabeth Claire all help emphasize Elizabeth’s history, and give it the same retro chic feel like current top names Charlotte, Lillian, and Audrey that are back in style again.
Paired with one of these middle names, I love the thought of using one of Elizabeth’s retro-popular nicknames, like Betsy or Libby.
Of course, a lot of what we think of as ‘standard’ middle names would fit from this era too- Elizabeth Jane, Elizabeth Mary, Elizabeth Rose, Elizabeth Grace, Elizabeth Anne- but I think that with such a classic first name, you can afford to go a bit bolder with a middle name for Elizabeth.
Sleek and Modern
Alternatively, you could take the complete opposite approach with a middle name for Elizabeth. Try using a contemporary favourite to update Elizabeth for a little girl in the twenty-first century.
Something playful and on the more unisex side like Elizabeth Harper, Elizabeth Paige, Elizabeth Piper, Elizabeth Brynn, Elizabeth Hadley, Elizabeth Payton, Elizabeth Avery, Elizabeth Quinn, or Elizabeth Sage, can help modernize a very old name.
Depending on how bold you are, you can really get creative here, too. Elizabeth is the quintessential classic name, so you can really have some fun with a middle name.
Modern parents are finding inspiration for middle names in their favourite literature, movies, television programs, and video games. So if you’re thinking Elizabeth Cordelia, Elizabeth Hermione, Elizabeth Arya, Elizabeth Zelda, or anything non-traditional that holds a lot of meaning for you, go for it!
Elizabeth is such a down to earth name that it can share its gravitas with even an unusual choice.
Family Name
A family name in the middle spot is always a good choice. Using a maiden name from the mother’s side is popular, as is using the name of a female relative (there’s a good chance you’ve got a relative from an older generation with one of the retro choices listed above).
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, Elizabeth is such a solid name, elegant and strong at the same time, that it can handle just about anything you pair it with and end up sounding both feminine and distinguished. Good luck with your baby naming decisions – you really cannot go wrong!
