Bessie is a unique and charming name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is often considered to be a diminutive or pet form of the name Elizabeth, which means "God is my oath" in Hebrew. Bessie is also sometimes associated with the Latin word "beata," which means "blessed."
The name Bessie first gained popularity during the Middle Ages in England. It was often used as a nickname for girls named Elizabeth, but it eventually evolved into a name in its own right. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Bessie, including Bessie Smith, a famous blues singer from the early 20th century, and Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman to hold a pilot's license.
Today, Bessie remains a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet approachable name for their daughters. While it may be less common than some other names, Bessie has a certain charm and vintage appeal that continues to attract fans. Whether you're drawn to its historic roots or simply love the sound of the name, choosing Bessie is sure to make your daughter stand out in a crowd.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Bessie in the United States from 1881 to 1956. Over this period of almost 75 years, there were a total of 737 babies named Bessie.
During the early years recorded (1881-1902), the number of births with the name Bessie varied between 5 and 15 each year. The highest numbers during these years were seen in 1894 with 15 births, and again in 1903 with another 15.
In the following decade (1903-1913), there was some fluctuation, ranging from a low of 5 births in 1904 to a high of 25 births in 1922. The years 1917 and 1918 saw above-average numbers with 16 and 16 births respectively.
Between 1923 and 1939, the number of babies named Bessie remained relatively steady, hovering around an average of 15 births per year. The highest figure during this period was 27 births in 1928, while the lowest was just 6 births in 1940.
After World War II, the popularity of the name Bessie declined significantly. From 1946 to 1956, there were only five years with more than one birth each year, and the total number of births with this name dropped sharply from a high of 27 in 1928 to just 5 in 1956.
These statistics demonstrate how the popularity of the name Bessie has changed over time. While it was relatively common during the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries, its usage declined significantly after World War II.