The name Elisabeth is derived from the ancient Hebrew name Elisheva, which means "God is my oath" or "God is abundance." This name has its roots in the biblical figure Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, who was a cousin of the Virgin Mary.

Elisabeth is a variant spelling of the name Elizabeth, with the 's' added to the end. This spelling was commonly used in several European languages, including German, Dutch, and Scandinavian languages. The name gained widespread popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in Europe.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Elisabeth can be found in the New Testament of the Bible. The Gospel of Luke mentions Elizabeth as the wife of Zechariah and the mother of John the Baptist. This biblical figure was revered as a saint by several Christian denominations.

Throughout history, many notable women have borne the name Elisabeth. One of the most famous was Elisabeth of Bavaria (1837-1898), better known as Empress Elisabeth of Austria or Sisi. She was the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I and is remembered for her beauty and tragic death at the hands of an assassin.

Another prominent Elisabeth was Elisabeth of Hungary (1207-1231), a Hungarian princess who became a Franciscan nun and was later canonized as Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Her life and works inspired numerous artistic depictions and literary works.

In the 16th century, Elisabeth I (1533-1603) reigned as Queen of England and Ireland, ushering in the Elizabethan era, a golden age of English history marked by cultural and literary achievements. Her reign is considered one of the most significant in English history.

Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (1691-1750) was a German princess who became the wife of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. She played a significant role in the politics and cultural life of the Habsburg court during her time.

Another notable Elisabeth was Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun (1755-1842), a prominent French painter who was known for her portraits of aristocratic and royal figures. Her works are considered among the finest examples of French Rococo portraiture.

These are just a few examples of the many influential and remarkable women throughout history who bore the name Elisabeth, a name with deep historical roots and cultural significance across various regions and time periods.