Bess
BESS
A warm, old-fashioned nickname from Elizabeth, often tied to the phrase “Queen Bess.”
Meaning
Bess is a familiar English nickname that developed from Elizabeth. In the excerpts, it is explicitly linked to the Hebrew name Elisabeth/Eliza, understood as “God’s oath” or “God is her oath.” It also appears in older English usage as a homely, affectionate short form, especially in reference to Queen Elizabeth I.
Origin
EnglishHebrewfeminine
Fun fact
The excerpts note that “Queen Bess” became such a famous nickname for Elizabeth I that it helped make Bess feel especially homely and popular in English.