Élisabeth

Élisabeth is the French form of the female given name Elizabeth. The name derives from the Hebrew Elisheva, meaning “God is my oath” or “God is abundance.” Through Latin Elisabetha and medieval vernaculars, the form spread across Europe and became common in Christian contexts, often associated with saints and royalty.

In French-speaking contexts, Élisabeth has long been a widely used name and remains common today. Variants include Elisabeth, used in German- and Dutch-speaking areas, and Elisabet in some Nordic and Slavic contexts. Related forms in other languages include Elizabeth (English), Elisabetta (Italian), and Isabel/Isabela (Spanish/Portuguese).

Pronunciation and spelling vary by language. In French, Élisabeth is pronounced roughly eh-lee-zah-bet, with the stress typically on the last syllable, and the acute accent on the initial E signals the characteristic French vowel sound. Spelling conventions differ outside Francophone regions, but the core root remains recognizable across languages.

Notable bearers of the name include the 18th-century French painter Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, known for her portrait work and influence on European art. The name has continued to be used in French-speaking countries for girls and remains part of a broader, international family of names with historical and cultural associations.