Betje

Betje is a Dutch feminine diminutive derived from Elisabeth, the Dutch and German form of Elizabeth, which traces back through Latin and Greek to the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning either my God is an oath or my God is abundance. The diminutive suffix -je is characteristic of Dutch pet-name formation, giving the name an affectionate, familiar quality. Betje was borne by the celebrated Dutch author Betje Wolff, whose full name was Elisabeth Wolff-Bekker, a prominent figure of the Dutch Enlightenment in the eighteenth century. Related forms include Bettie, Betty, Elise, and Lies.