The name Betsy originated as a pet form or diminutive of the name Elizabeth. Elizabeth itself is derived from the ancient Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning "God is my oath" or "consecrated to God." The name Betsy emerged as a nickname for Elizabeth during the Middle Ages in England.

One of the earliest recorded uses of Betsy as a given name dates back to the 16th century. In 1564, a woman named Betsy Winkler was mentioned in parish records from Gloucestershire, England. Around this time, the name began to gain popularity as a standalone name rather than just a nickname.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, several notable women bore the name Betsy. One of the most famous was Betsy Ross (1752-1836), the Philadelphia seamstress who is credited with sewing the first American flag. While her involvement in creating the flag design is disputed by some historians, she remains an iconic figure in American history.

Another well-known Betsy from this era was Betsy Cadwaladyr (1789-1860), a Welsh writer and educator who played a significant role in promoting education and literature in Wales. She published several books and established several schools in her lifetime.

In the 19th century, Betsy Trotwood was a prominent character in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield," published in 1850. Betsy Trotwood was a strong-willed and eccentric aunt who served as a guardian to the novel's protagonist.

In the early 20th century, Betsy Jolas (1926-2022) was a French-American composer and pianist who had a prolific career spanning over seven decades. She was known for her avant-garde compositions and was a recipient of numerous awards and honors.

During World War II, Betsy Gray (1919-2005) was a British secret agent who served in the Special Operations Executive. She played a crucial role in the French Resistance, helping to coordinate escape routes for Allied pilots and soldiers.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Betsy. While its origins can be traced back to the Hebrew name Elizabeth, Betsy has established itself as a distinct and enduring name, carried by women from diverse backgrounds and eras.