Find out how popular the first name Bessie has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bessie by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Bessie is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Bessie.

The history of the first name Bessie

The name Bessie is an English diminutive form of the name Elizabeth, which is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning "my God is an oath" or "my God is abundance." The first recorded use of the name Bessie dates back to the late 13th century in England.

Bessie gained popularity as a pet form of Elizabeth during the Middle Ages in England. It was commonly used as a nickname or a shortened version of the more formal name Elizabeth. The name Bessie was often associated with domesticity and simplicity, reflecting its use as a nickname for common folk.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bessie is in the 14th century English work "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer, where a character named Bessie is mentioned. Additionally, the name appeared in various English literature and plays throughout the Renaissance period.

Historically, several notable individuals have borne the name Bessie. One of the most famous was Bessie Smith (1894-1937), an influential American blues singer known as the "Empress of the Blues." She was a pioneering artist who helped shape the development of blues and jazz music in the early 20th century.

Another notable figure was Bessie Coleman (1892-1926), an American aviator who became the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license. She was a trailblazer in the field of aviation and worked to inspire and encourage other African American pilots.

In the literary realm, Bessie Head (1937-1986) was a significant South African writer and teacher. Her works, including the novels "When Rain Clouds Gather" and "Maru," explored themes of racial discrimination, identity, and the struggles of life in apartheid-era South Africa.

Bessie Stringfield (1911-1993) was an American motorcycle pioneer and one of the first African American women to ride motorcycles across the United States. She was a remarkable figure who defied gender and racial stereotypes of her time.

Lastly, Bessie Rayner Parkes (1829-1925) was a British feminist and writer who fought for women's rights and advocated for educational opportunities for women. She co-founded the English Woman's Journal and was a prominent figure in the early British women's rights movement.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who bore the name Bessie throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence and cultural significance across various fields and eras.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Bessie was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bessie, please contact us.

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