Bette is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is a shortened form of the name Elizabeth, which has its roots in the Hebrew name Elisheba. The meaning of Bette is "my God is an oath," reflecting the religious significance of the name.
The name Bette first gained popularity during the Middle Ages in England, where it was used as a diminutive of Elizabeth. Over time, Bette became established as a separate given name, and its usage spread throughout the English-speaking world.
One of the most notable figures with the name Bette is the American actress Bette Davis (1908-1989). Known for her powerful performances in classic films such as "Jezebel" and "All About Eve," she won two Academy Awards during her career. Davis's fame has contributed to the continued recognition of the name Bette, even today.
In recent years, the name Bette has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly among parents seeking unique and distinctive names for their daughters. Despite its vintage feel, Bette remains a strong and memorable choice that stands out from more common names such as Betty or Beth.
Overall, the name Bette offers a blend of historical significance, religious meaning, and celebrity association that makes it an appealing option for parents looking for a distinctive name with deep roots.
The given statistics provide an interesting overview of the popularity of the name Bette in the United States from 1896 to 2023. The name's usage has seen significant fluctuations over time, with peaks and troughs that can offer insights into societal trends and preferences.
In the early years recorded (1896-1903), the name Bette was quite uncommon, with fewer than 15 births per year. However, from 1904 onwards, its usage began to rise steadily. By 1912, there were already over 50 births a year, and by 1917, this number had surpassed the 300 mark.
The name Bette reached its peak popularity in the United States during the years immediately following World War I. Between 1918 and 1924, more than 1000 babies were named Bette each year, with a high of nearly 1750 births in 1923. This period corresponds to a time of significant societal change and growth in the U.S., which may have contributed to the popularity of unique and distinctive names like Bette.
After this peak, however, the usage of the name began to decline significantly. From the late 1920s onwards, there were fewer than 800 births per year with the name Bette. This downward trend continued until the mid-1950s, when the number of annual births named Bette fell below 400.
The latter half of the twentieth century saw a further decline in the popularity of the name Bette. Between 1960 and 2000, there were fewer than 100 births per year with this name, with many years seeing fewer than 50. The lowest point came in 1978, with only 8 babies named Bette.
However, since the turn of the twenty-first century, there has been a resurgence in the usage of the name Bette. Between 2001 and 2023, the number of annual births with this name has ranged from 5 to 15, showing that while it may no longer be a highly popular choice, Bette remains a recognized and viable option for parents.
In total, from 1896 to 2023, there have been approximately 34,878 babies born in the United States with the name Bette. This statistic underscores the enduring appeal of this distinctive name over more than a century.