Bess
Bess: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /bɛs/
Meaning and origin of Bess
- A diminutive of the female given name Elizabeth.
Etymology
Variant of Beth, a clipping of Elizabeth.
How popular is Bess?
Since 1880, 7,171 girls and 5 boys in the U.S. have been named Bess (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #157 in 1887. Its highest rank for boys was #1096 in 1894. In 2025, 5 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Bess
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
Sibling name ideas for Bess
Names that peaked around the same time as Bess and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Bess FAQ
What does the name Bess mean?
A diminutive of the female given name Elizabeth. Variant of Beth, a clipping of Elizabeth.
How popular is the name Bess?
Since 1880, 7,171 girls and 5 boys in the U.S. have been named Bess (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #157 in 1887. Its highest rank for boys was #1096 in 1894. In 2025, 5 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Bess a boy or girl name?
Bess is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 7,171 girls and 5 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.