Elizabeths

Elizabeths is a plural form used to refer to people named Elizabeth. The given name Elizabeth derives from the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning “God is my oath.” It entered Christian usage through the Bible and spread across Europe, becoming especially common in English-speaking regions. Variants include Elisabeth (German, Dutch, and some Scandinavian languages), Elisabet (Scandinavian form), and Elizabeth in English.

The term Elizabeths is used in lists or discussions of individuals who share the name. The possessive form is Elizabeth’s. Throughout history and into the present, many notable Elizabeths have appeared in politics, science, literature, and culture. Examples include Elizabeth I of England, who reigned from 1558 to 1603, and Elizabeth II, who reigned as Queen of the United Kingdom from 1952 to 2022. Other Elizabeths of note include Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a leading figure in the American women’s suffrage movement. Diminutives commonly associated with Elizabeth include Liz, Lizzie, Beth, Betsy, and Betty.

In contemporary use, Elizabeth remains a widely recognized and enduring feminine given name in English-speaking countries, valued for its historical associations with royalty and religious tradition. The plural Elizabeths highlights the many individuals who have carried the name across generations.