Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Lisa
Lisa developed as a short form for eLISAbeth primarily in Northern Europe (Scandinavia and Germany) as well as in Italy (think: da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”). Eventually over time Lisa became very common as an independently given name in those above mentioned countries as well as among English speakers (in the same way that Elise, Eliza or Liesel were created from Elisabeth/Elizabeth). Elizabeth is one of those names that has spawned scores of variations and pet forms across every conceivable language in the Western World thanks to the rising importance and ultimate prevalence of Christianity from Late Antiquity onward. Names were widely adopted and bestowed upon children in medieval times based on two primary things: Biblical significance and/or cults of various saints. Elizabeth could claim both honors (which is why she, like Mary, is one of the most enduring and widespread names of all time). Biblically speaking, Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist – the name originated from the Hebrew Elisheva meaning “God is my oath”. In the Bible God looked favorably upon Elizabeth and her husband Zachariah because “they were both righteous before God…but they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.” (Luke 1:6). So God sent His angel Gabriel with a message saying that Elizabeth will have a son and “you shall call his name John.” Gabriel also says that John’s birth will be cause for much rejoicing and that the baby will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from Elizabeth’s womb. Around the same time, Mary was impregnated by the Holy Ghost with Jesus (Mary and Elizabeth are contemporaries; tradition holds they are cousins). John the Baptist’s role was important because he prepared the people for the coming of the Messiah, the knowledge of salvation and the forgiveness of sins “because of the tender mercy of our God” (Luke 1:78). And John the Baptist also has the honors of having baptized Jesus in the River Jordan. In other words, John was one important Biblical dude among Christians and Elizabeth was the Baby Mama. It’s no surprise that the Biblical Elizabeth became the inspiration behind the usage of her name, and why so many Christianized European countries embraced it since the early Middle Ages (her Feast Day is November 5). The much admired Saints Elizabeth of Hungary and Elizabeth of Portugal also encouraged the usage of Elizabeth in later medieval times; further cementing the name’s lasting popularity. Lisa was eventually coined from Elisabeth (from the French Lise) and spread like wildfire in the mid 20th century. Today Lisa remains quite popular in Northern Europe, specifically in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Norway and Sweden. Lisa’s heyday among English speakers has pretty much come and gone.
All About the Baby Name – Lisa
Personality
OF THE GIRL NAME LISA
The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change. Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy. This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive.
Popularity
OF THE GIRL NAME LISA
Lisa has had one of the most remarkable rides on the U.S. popularity charts that we’ve so far seen. The name was introduced to America in 1937 and took less than 20 years to soar up to a Top 100 position in 1954. But she didn’t stop there. Lisa hit the Top 10 in 1959. One of only a handful of female names that can claim victory as the #1 name in the country, Lisa held those honors for eight consecutive years between 1962 and 1969 (usurping Mary). Practically 50,000 baby girls were named Lisa on an annual basis back in the 1960s – this girl was crazy-popular. Eventually the frenzy died down and Lisa came back down to the planet earth. The name dropped off the Top 100 list in the mid 1990s and has been declining in popularity ever since. The 21st century has been especially unkind to poor aging Lisa; now forgotten and retreating down to her lowest levels ever since her initial discovery. Lisa is officially in retirement. Yet somehow Lisa doesn’t feel as outdated as some of the other mid-century ladies (Patricia, Donna, Linda); we would argue that Lisa's understated simplicity and quiet beauty makes her a solid name choice even today (not to mention she's still cool in Europe).
Quick Facts
ON LISA
GENDER:
Girl
ORIGIN:
English
NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:
2
RANKING POPULARITY:
773
PRONUNCIATION:
LEE-sә
SIMPLE MEANING:
God is my oath
Characteristics
OF LISA
