Bettye

Bettye is a feminine given name, a spelling variant of Betty, which is a diminutive form of Elizabeth. Elizabeth derives from a Hebrew name meaning “God is my oath” or “my God is abundance.” The spelling Bettye, with an ending -e, has been used in the United States and other English-speaking areas, often reflecting traditional or regional naming patterns. It has appeared primarily as a given name and can be found in full or as part of a two-name form, sometimes alongside a middle name.

In usage terms, Bettye reached its peak in the mid-20th century and remains in use today, though less common than its shorter form Betty or the formal Elizabeth. The name is typically associated with English-speaking communities and may appear across various cultural and regional contexts due to naming traditions in the United States.

Notable people named Bettye include American soul singer Bettye LaVette, who has had a long career and is known for performances and recordings dating back to the 1960s. The name Bettye is relatively uncommon in contemporary populations but persists as a recognized variant associated with classic-era given names.