The name Bettie is a diminutive form of the feminine given name Elizabeth, which is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning "God is my oath" or "consecrated to God". The name Elizabeth has its roots in the Old Testament and is borne by the wife of Aaron, the brother of Moses.

Bettie emerged as a shortened version of Elizabeth, likely originating in the Middle Ages when nicknames and pet names became popular. It was particularly common in England and other English-speaking regions, where Elizabeth was a widely used name due to its association with various English monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth I.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Bettie was Bettie de Caseneuve, a French noblewoman who lived in the 13th century. In the 16th century, Bettie Bly, an English dramatist and poet, gained recognition for her contributions to the literary world.

During the 17th century, Bettie Washington, an ancestor of the first United States President George Washington, was born in Virginia. In the 18th century, Bettie Brooke, an English actress and playwright, became known for her performances on the London stage.

In the 19th century, Bettie Blossom, an American author and educator, was a prominent figure in the women's rights movement. She advocated for women's education and wrote several books on the subject.

Another notable bearer of the name Bettie was Bettie Page, an American model and actress who gained fame in the 1950s as a pin-up icon. Her iconic black hair and blue eyes made her one of the most recognizable figures of that era, and she became a cultural symbol of the time.

While the name Bettie has faded somewhat in popularity in recent decades, it remains a charming and historical alternative to the more common Elizabeth, carrying with it a sense of nostalgia and a connection to the rich tapestry of cultural and literary figures who have borne this name throughout history.