Elisabeth

Elisabeth is the German, Dutch, and Scandinavian form of Elizabeth, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, composed of the elements el, meaning God, and sheva, meaning oath or perhaps seven. The name appears in the New Testament as the mother of John the Baptist, giving it strong Christian resonance throughout medieval and early modern Europe. It was borne by numerous European queens and empresses, most notably Elisabeth of Austria, consort of Emperor Franz Joseph I, helping cement its prestige across the continent. Related forms include Elizabeth, Élisabeth, Isabel, Elspeth, and Lisa.