Lisbeth is a feminine given name that originated as a German diminutive form of the name Elizabeth. The name Elizabeth itself is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, which means "God is my oath." The earliest known use of the name Lisbeth dates back to the 13th century in Germany.

In medieval times, the name Lisbeth was particularly popular in German-speaking regions of Europe, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It was also commonly used in the Low Countries, including the Netherlands and Belgium, where it was spelled as Lijsbeth or Liesbeth.

While the name Lisbeth does not have any direct references in religious scriptures or ancient texts, it is closely tied to the biblical name Elizabeth, which appears in both the Old and New Testaments. One of the most notable historical figures with the name Elizabeth is Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231), a Hungarian princess who renounced her wealth and devoted herself to charitable work.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Lisbeth can be found in the 14th-century German epic poem "Der arme Heinrich" by Hartmann von Aue. In this work, Lisbeth is the name of a young peasant girl who sacrifices herself to cure a knight suffering from leprosy.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lisbeth. These include:

1. Lisbeth Zwerger (born 1954), an Austrian illustrator of children's books, known for her intricate watercolor illustrations.

2. Lisbeth Palme (1932-2018), a Swedish politician and activist who campaigned for nuclear disarmament and women's rights.

3. Lisbeth Scott (1920-2011), an American author and historian known for her works on the history of the American West.

4. Lisbeth Dahl (1923-2005), a Norwegian film actress who appeared in several Swedish and Norwegian films in the 1940s and 1950s.

5. Lisbeth Zornig Andersen (1906-1999), a Danish politician and women's rights activist who served as the first female president of the Danish Parliament from 1976 to 1979.

While the name Lisbeth has its roots in German and Dutch-speaking regions, it has also been adopted in various other cultures and languages over time, reflecting the diverse and rich history of this feminine moniker.