Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Bettina
Bettina is a name with two possible origins. One, this is the Italian pet form of Benedetta, itself the Italian feminine form of Benedict meaning, quite literally, “blessed.” Both Benedict and Benedetta were names historically used among Italian Catholics in honor of a 6th century Italian Catholic monk and founder of the Benedictine Order. His “Rule of Benedict” writings were popular among the later establishments of Western European monasteries because it promoted the spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness between individual zealots and institutionalized expectations. For this reason, St. Benedict is often credited as the founder of Western Christian monasticism (the name became common among Christians and was adopted by 16 popes in total). Benedetta remains a hugely popular name in Italy where Bettina is still commonly used as a pet name.
Separately, Bettina is used in the German language as a pet form of Elisabeth. The root of this name finds its origins in the Hebrew אֱלִישֶׁבַע (“Elisheva”) meaning "my God is an oath" or “pledged from God.” In the Old Testament, this was the name of Aaron’s wife. However, the reason for the name’s endurance in the Western World is owed to the New Testament’s Elisabeth who was the mother of John the Baptist (Church tradition holds her to be the cousin of the Virgin Mother). Cementing the name’s popularity in the Middle Ages was further owed to two prominent saints, the 13th century Elizabeth of Hungary and the 13th /14th century Elizabeth of Portugal. Along with names like Anne, Catherine, Margaret and Mary, Elizabeth became so widely used in Medieval Europe that diminutives and pet forms became necessary to distinguish one Elisabeth from another. The pet forms that emerged from the German language include Bettina, as well Elise, Elsa, Liesel, Lisa and Lisbeth (among scores of other short forms).
All About the Baby Name – Bettina
Personality
OF THE GIRL NAME BETTINA
The number Eight personality has everything to do with power, wealth and abundance. Somehow, this personality has been blessed on the material plane, but their authoritative and problem-solving traits provide evidence that their good fortunes are not just the luck of the lottery. They are well earned. This is the personality of CEOs and high-ranking military personnel. Eights are intensely active, hard-driving individuals. Success is only meaningful to them after a job well-done. They are remarkable in their ability to see the larger picture right down to the smallest details, and organize a strategy around success. They then have the ability to direct a group around them toward any goal, and realize individual potential to get the most out of their team.
Popularity
OF THE GIRL NAME BETTINA
Bettina is still commonly used as a pet form for Benedetta and Elisabeth in both the Italian and German languages, respectively; however, it is also found as an independently given name in its own right. For instance, Lady Bettina d'Andrea was a 14th century Italian lawyer, so we know it dates back that far (pretty impressive!). And we can say with assurance that there weren’t a whole lot of lady lawyers in the Middle Ages, so we say “you go, girl!” Bettina is not common among English speakers. It has more of a European flare to it. It did make the American Top 1000 list of girl names in the mid-20th century, perhaps owing to the fame of Bettina Graziani, a French fashion model (often cited as the first “supermodel”) and muse to Givenchy who named a fashion line after her. In 2015, only 6 baby girls born in the United States were given the name Bettina.
Quick Facts
ON BETTINA
GENDER:
Girl
ORIGIN:
German
NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:
3
RANKING POPULARITY:
N/A
PRONUNCIATION:
be-TEE-nah
SIMPLE MEANING:
Blessed, Pledged from God
Characteristics
OF BETTINA
