Betty

Betty is a feminine given name, often a diminutive of Elizabeth. The name Elizabeth traces to Hebrew Elisheba, meaning "God is my oath" or "pledged to God." Betty arose as a nickname in English in the 18th century and later gained independent use as a given name.

As a given name, Betty has been common in English-speaking countries, particularly during the mid-20th century. Today it remains associated with older generations in many places, though it continues to appear in modern naming choices and popular culture.

Notable people named Betty include Betty White, American actress and comedian; Betty Ford, First Lady of the United States and advocate for health and women's rights; Betty Friedan, author of The Feminine Mystique; and Betty Williams, Northern Irish peace activist and Nobel laureate.

In fiction, Betty appears in many works: Betty Boop, a pioneering cartoon character; Betty Rubble from The Flintstones; Betty Cooper from Archie Comics; and Betty Draper in Mad Men.

Historically, Betty is also the Allied codename for the Mitsubishi G4M bomber used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II.