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Help[Opinions] Betsy/Elizabeth
My DD Elizabeth Anne Violet is 2 months old!
We named her Elizabeth but hate the nn Liz. But in my experience, unless you have an established nn for an Elizabeth, by the time they are teens they drift into being called Liz as a default. So we wanted to establish a different nn.
It was going to be Lily (or Lilli, Lilly) but when she was born it didn't seem to suit her and we're calling her Betsy.
We think it's cute, on the unusual side, old-fashioned (which we like) and a little bit funky :)
However we've had some very negative reactions to it from some people in our family. These are not people whose naming styles we really like anyway, but one of them told us if we name our child Betsy we might as well give her a Kick Me sign to wear.
So, esteemed namenerds, what do you think? What does the name Betsy say to you? Give me adjectives! And do you think she would be teased for it?
Thanks for your input!
We named her Elizabeth but hate the nn Liz. But in my experience, unless you have an established nn for an Elizabeth, by the time they are teens they drift into being called Liz as a default. So we wanted to establish a different nn.
It was going to be Lily (or Lilli, Lilly) but when she was born it didn't seem to suit her and we're calling her Betsy.
We think it's cute, on the unusual side, old-fashioned (which we like) and a little bit funky :)
However we've had some very negative reactions to it from some people in our family. These are not people whose naming styles we really like anyway, but one of them told us if we name our child Betsy we might as well give her a Kick Me sign to wear.
So, esteemed namenerds, what do you think? What does the name Betsy say to you? Give me adjectives! And do you think she would be teased for it?
Thanks for your input!
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Replies
I went to school with a Betsy (I'm 19, so she's about 18 or so now). It doesn't seem old fashioned or out of place. It's not my favorite nn for Elizabeth, but it could be worse. Let your family talk--they'll either get over themselves, or they won't. They're the ones with the problem.
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
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Elizabeth is a lovely name, but I do not enjoy Betsy in the least and I enjoy vintage names like Dorothea nn Dori. Betsy Wetsy comes to mind instantly and quite frankly I feel as though Betsy (along with Betty) really do a disservice to Elizabeth and take it down a notch. In fact, of all the more traditional names with numerous nn I don't really love any of the ones associated with Elizabeth but here are a few that I don't mind: Beth, Libby (but only for a little girl), & Elly / Ellie (okay I love this one). Sorry.
Too bad you don't think Lily works, but then again I don't really like Lily as a nn for Elizabeth. IMHO, it should be used by itself or as a nn for Lillian or Liliana type names.
ETA: I also like Eliza, but I can also see the name used independantly.
Jacks
"The newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three". Dr.Grantly Dick-Read
Too bad you don't think Lily works, but then again I don't really like Lily as a nn for Elizabeth. IMHO, it should be used by itself or as a nn for Lillian or Liliana type names.
ETA: I also like Eliza, but I can also see the name used independantly.
Jacks
"The newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three". Dr.Grantly Dick-Read
This message was edited 2/16/2006, 10:54 AM
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Thanks for the honest opinion!
To be honest if I thought Elizabeth wouldn't degenerate into Liz, I wouldn't bother with a nn - love the full version. I do like Ellie, too, but it's a little close to Allie - and as a teacher I just don't like Allie or Beth because of kids I've taught. I tend to agree with you about Lily - it's better as a stand-alone.
Funny thing is I do call DD wetsy Betsy when I have to change her!
To be honest if I thought Elizabeth wouldn't degenerate into Liz, I wouldn't bother with a nn - love the full version. I do like Ellie, too, but it's a little close to Allie - and as a teacher I just don't like Allie or Beth because of kids I've taught. I tend to agree with you about Lily - it's better as a stand-alone.
Funny thing is I do call DD wetsy Betsy when I have to change her!
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Well.... I happen to love the nn Betsy. With the current old fashioned name trend, I think you'll find that Betsy is not going to be as "out of place" as your family members think. I am 24 years old and have been called Betsy my entire life (sometimes Betsy Lou by my father). Only recently have I begun using Elizabeth professionally and even my immediate co-workers still call me Betsy. I think it is spunky, fun, and yet at the same time conveys that I am responsible and intelligent. I love my nn and am so pleased to see a "new generation" Betsy!
----Betsy-----
----Betsy-----
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spunky, fun, responsible and intelligent - brilliant! That's what it says to me too.
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Betsy is sweet, and I can definitely see it making a comeback. It has shown up on non-grandma types in the media in recent history (Kirsten Dunst's character in Dick, Kelso's daughter on That 70s Show, etc). It's also a mainstay in children's literature, thanks to Betsy-Tacy and Tib, so I don't really see a little Betsy being mocked.
But as you can probably guess, I'm biased towards the name. :) I also like Liza, Lili, Lilybet, Bettie, Bethy, Elsie, Elsa, etc. While I'm not a huge fan of Elizabeth, I love many of its nicknames.
Array
When the truth walks away, everybody stays--'cause the truth about the world is that crime does pay. So if you walk away, who is gonna stay? 'Cause I'd like to think the world is a better place.
I'd like to leave the world as a better place.
But as you can probably guess, I'm biased towards the name. :) I also like Liza, Lili, Lilybet, Bettie, Bethy, Elsie, Elsa, etc. While I'm not a huge fan of Elizabeth, I love many of its nicknames.
Array
I'd like to leave the world as a better place.
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I've never seen Dick or that 70s show so I didn't know about the Betsy characters - hm. I'm feeling a little vindicated that it's not a grandma name!
I just discovered the Betsy-Tacy books and I'm liking the name Betsy even more because of them :) Definitely like names with literary connections - can you tell I'm a Jane Austen fan, giving my daughter Elizabeth (Bennet) and Anne (Elliot) as 2 of her names? :)
I do also call her Lilibet sometimes and I LOVE Elsie but DH hates it.
I just discovered the Betsy-Tacy books and I'm liking the name Betsy even more because of them :) Definitely like names with literary connections - can you tell I'm a Jane Austen fan, giving my daughter Elizabeth (Bennet) and Anne (Elliot) as 2 of her names? :)
I do also call her Lilibet sometimes and I LOVE Elsie but DH hates it.
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Sorry! : )
I just typed out the adjectives that came to mind. Don't listen to me! My guess is that I probley fit in with the "family member whose naming styles you don't like."
I just typed out the adjectives that came to mind. Don't listen to me! My guess is that I probley fit in with the "family member whose naming styles you don't like."
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no need to apologise!
Oh no need to apologise - you did exactly what I asked you to! :) Sorry if I sounded upset with you, I'm not at all.
Oh no need to apologise - you did exactly what I asked you to! :) Sorry if I sounded upset with you, I'm not at all.
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I think it's an adorable nn! I'd stick with it, and not worry about what others say. It might grow on them.
Hannah
Everything looks perfect from far away
Hannah
Everything looks perfect from far away
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I love this nickname despite it's being thought old-fashioned and common, it's sweet, spunky, and cute but it will also grow well and by using it as a nickname for Elizabeth your daughter also has the choice of using her full name when she growns up like BetsyLou pointed out below.
I too am a Jane Austen fan and Betsy reminds me of Fanny Price's little sister in Mansfield Park who I adore! I think that your daughter's name is just beautiful and I would deffinately stick with Betsy as the nickname, it's not old-fashioned or out of place at all, it's really nice to see new Betsys in the world! :)
"That tongue of yours is hinged in the middle, sister!"
I too am a Jane Austen fan and Betsy reminds me of Fanny Price's little sister in Mansfield Park who I adore! I think that your daughter's name is just beautiful and I would deffinately stick with Betsy as the nickname, it's not old-fashioned or out of place at all, it's really nice to see new Betsys in the world! :)
"That tongue of yours is hinged in the middle, sister!"
This message was edited 2/16/2006, 11:33 AM
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See now that is just what I thought! :)
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I like Betsy, it's a good nn for Elizabeth because it's not too common nowadays. For the record, I've known lots of Elizabeths and only a few went by Liz. Some went by Beth, others Betty (those of an older generation). If my name were Elizabeth I would want to be called just that, because it is so elegant, but Betsy is cute for a little girl.
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Wholesome. Cute. Feminine. Intelligent. Well-behaved.
My husband has a cousin named Betsey, who is now 19. She's at a private college, and doing very well. She's always been a very polite girl and comes from a very good family. I guess that's why "Betsy" makes me think of those adjectives.
________________________________________
My husband has a cousin named Betsey, who is now 19. She's at a private college, and doing very well. She's always been a very polite girl and comes from a very good family. I guess that's why "Betsy" makes me think of those adjectives.
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I love your bumper sticker. ;-D
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FIRST: Her full name is gorgeous, I adore it :)
Honestly, I think of a waitress when I see the name Betsy. *Cringes* I sound so mean!
But, actually, I never though Elizabeth NEEDED a nn! It is wonderful and classic, I'm glad someone picked it as a first name finally, instead of a middle. I do love Lily, though, it's a shame it doesn't fit her- but I know exactly how that goes. When my little sis was born, my parents were pretty sure she was going to be Perry Jane, but ended up taking one look at her, and calling her Jayna Rose!
If you want a few other nn suggestions:
Beth -Classic? Maybe you just find it boring...
Bess -I love this one
Eliza -Also one of my mom's favorites, I like it a lot
Lisa -I think it's cute, but do you?
Of course, don't take anyone's word on this board TOO seriously. Whatever you call her, it's your choice. (But of course, if someone suggests something you love, fantastic score)
Anyway, congrats on your daughter, she has a lovely, classic name!
Honestly, I think of a waitress when I see the name Betsy. *Cringes* I sound so mean!
But, actually, I never though Elizabeth NEEDED a nn! It is wonderful and classic, I'm glad someone picked it as a first name finally, instead of a middle. I do love Lily, though, it's a shame it doesn't fit her- but I know exactly how that goes. When my little sis was born, my parents were pretty sure she was going to be Perry Jane, but ended up taking one look at her, and calling her Jayna Rose!
If you want a few other nn suggestions:
Beth -Classic? Maybe you just find it boring...
Bess -I love this one
Eliza -Also one of my mom's favorites, I like it a lot
Lisa -I think it's cute, but do you?
Of course, don't take anyone's word on this board TOO seriously. Whatever you call her, it's your choice. (But of course, if someone suggests something you love, fantastic score)
Anyway, congrats on your daughter, she has a lovely, classic name!
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Betsy is awesome! Then again, my youngest dd might have been named Elizabeth (nn Betsy) had it gone better with our surname. The only drawback I can think of is Betsy Wetsy and only adults of a certain age will recognize the association with the baby doll. I also like Bess.
I think you're right about the Liz thing. I know several Elizabeths (of different ages) and they're all called Liz. It's my least favorite Elizabeth nick.
I think you're right about the Liz thing. I know several Elizabeths (of different ages) and they're all called Liz. It's my least favorite Elizabeth nick.
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