A diminutive of Bethany meaning house of poverty. Diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning my god is bountiful, or god of plenty, frequently used as an independent name. Beth was one of Louisa M. Alcott's heroines in her 19th century novel Little Women. From the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning either oath of God, or God is satisfaction. Diminutive of Elisabeth or Elizabeth, from Elisheba, meaning either oath of God, or God is satisfaction. Also a diminutive of Bethia (daughter or worshipper of God), and of Bethany, a New Testament village near Jerusalem. This Hebrew name became popular in Scotland in the 17th century because of it's association with the Gaelic 'beath' meaning 'life.
House of poverty. 'The house of song, the house of affliction' Bethany was a New Testament village near Jerusalem where Jesus visited Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Frequently used as a first name in the 20th century.
Lady. In the Bible, Martha was the sister of Lazarus and Mary of Bethany and known for her obsession with housework. Who becomes bitter; provoking Bitter.
