The name Betty is a diminutive form of the name Elizabeth, which has its origins in the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning "God is my oath." The name Elizabeth was later adopted by the Greeks and Romans, who translated it as Elisabet or Elisabetha.

Betty emerged as a pet form of Elizabeth in the Middle Ages, first appearing in written records in the 13th century. The earliest known example of the name Betty is found in the Pipe Rolls of Hertfordshire, England, from 1273, where it is recorded as "Bette."

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Betty was Betty Liverance, an English woman born in the late 16th century who was accused of witchcraft during the famous Pendle witch trials of 1612. Another notable historical figure was Betty Zane, an American heroine of the Revolutionary War who carried gunpowder to Fort Henry during the siege of 1782.

In the 18th century, the name Betty gained popularity, particularly among the working classes in England. One famous Betty from this era was Betty Blossom, a London street hawker and pickpocket who was portrayed in numerous ballads and plays of the time.

The 19th century saw the name Betty become more widespread across different social classes. One notable figure was Betty Everett (1939-2001), an American singer and songwriter best known for her hit "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)."

Another famous Betty was Betty Friedan (1921-2006), an American feminist writer and activist who wrote the influential book "The Feminine Mystique" in 1963, which is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States.