Beatrice Overview
- Meaning: She who brings happiness.
- Gender: Female
- Origin: French/Latin
- Pronunciation: “Bee-ah-triss”
- Popularity: Fairly uncommon.
- Nicknames: Bea, Beats, Triss.
- Variations: Beatrix, Beitriss, Betrys, Bertha, Beate.
- Namesakes: Saint Beatrice of Silva.
What Does Beatrice Mean?
Beatrice derives from a Latin word meaning “she who brings happiness.” (1). There are French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese forms of this enduringly popular name!
What Is the Origin of the Name Beatrice?
Beatrice comes from the French girl name Béatrice but likely originated from the Latin Beatrix (2). Beatrix is a combination of two Latin words: viatrix, which means “voyager,” and beatus, meaning “blessed.”
How Popular Is the Name Beatrice?
You might think of Beatrice as an old-fashioned feminine name, but it is rising in popularity, particularly in the United Kingdom.
Beatrice is becoming more popular in the United States but is still relatively uncommon (3). In 2021, it was ranked as the 565th most popular name for baby girls, compared to 970 in the year 2000 (4).
How Do I Pronounce Beatrice?
You pronounce the name Beatrice as “Bee-ah-triss.”
Is Beatrice a Boy or Girl Name?
Beatrice is usually a girl’s name in the United States.
Variations of Beatrice
Beatrice has a few variations, especially when it comes to spelling. We’ve compiled a few variations on the name that you can check out below!
- Beata (Poland and Germany)
- Beate (Sweden and Italy)
- Bertha (Irish)
- Beitris (Scottish Gaelic)
- Betrys (Welsh)
Nicknames for Beatrice
Beatrice is a great name for parents looking to give their child options. A variety of nicknames can be drawn from the name, while still allowing your child to consider using the full version as she gets older.
- Bea
- Beats
- Bee
- Triss
- Birdie
- Trixie
Similar Names to Beatrice
There are several variants similar to Beatrice that exude the same elegance. We’ve compiled a few for you to select from below.
- Beatrix
- Bernice
- Bethany
- Birdie
- Eleanor
- Elizabeth
- Gertrude
Middle Names for Beatrice
Because of the gracefulness of this name, parents naming their child Beatrice can stick with that dignified theme or have a little fun with a modern middle name.
- Anne
- Elizabeth
- Grace
- Iris
- Lily
- Marie
- May
- Virginia
- Winter
- Zora
Sibling Names for Beatrice
Whether you’re looking to keep a Shakespearean theme for your children or maintain a more vintage feel, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to options.
- Ambrose
- Benedict
- Dante
- Emma
- Frederick
- Meredith
- Ursula
- Virgil
- William
Famous People Named Beatrice
Here are some famous namesakes for the name Beatrice.
- Bea Arthur: American television star. If you’re looking to bring a little Golden Girls-level sass into your family dynamic, this is a great choice.
- Beatrice McCartney: Daughter of musician Paul McCartney. Beatrice is a great choice if you’re a Beatles mega-fan or simply hoping to give your daughter some of that rockstar luck.
- Beatrice M. Hinkle: American writer and feminist (5). Classy. Witty. Whip-smart. Hinkle had it all.
- Beatrice Lanza: Triathlete (6). Long distance runners and other athletic parents could embrace the strength behind this famous triathlete’s name.
Beatrice in Popular Culture
The name Beatrice is also the protagonist in various literature and film works.
- Beatrice: Character in Dante’s Divine Comedy. The epitome of grace, she leads the main character, Dante, through Heaven.
- Beatrice: in William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. She is an incredibly witty and smart protagonist who is eventually tricked into confessing her love for another character.
- Beatrice Baudelaire: a character in the book A Series of Unfortunate Events. She is a lion tamer and actress.
- Beatrice Grimaldi: A princess in the American television series Gossip Girl. Who doesn’t want to name their child after royalty, even if it’s make-believe?
Beatrice FAQs
Because Beatrice is a relatively uncommon name, you might have questions about its origin and other spaces where it might appear.
Does the Name Beatrice Appear in the Bible?
Although it does not appear in the Bible, Beatrice is often considered a biblical girl name due to the character Beatrice’s role in Dante’s Divine Comedy. The name can also mean “blessed.”
What Does Beatrice Mean in Hebrew?
The Hebrew meaning of Beatrice is the same as other versions of this name. Beatrice means blessed or bringer of joy and happiness.
Is Beatrice a Saint’s Name?
Yes, Saint Beatrice of Silva was a saint in the thirteenth century (7). She was known to be incredibly beautiful and was resultingly imprisoned by a jealous Queen. She lived for years in a small cell when she was visited by the Virgin Mary.
What Kind of Personality Is Associated With Beatrice?
Personalities associated with Beatrice can vary widely. Because of its vintage nature and because it’s so easily nickname-able, Beatrice is great for personalities that are witty, fun, and daring.
One thing we love about this name is that it will suit a precocious and outgoing daughter in addition to being suitable for a more reserved child. As an adult, she can make the name her own.
Is Beatrice a Nice Name?
While it is relatively uncommon in the United States, Beatrice is embraced in Europe. Due to its gorgeous sound and versatility, it suits children and adults. This means the name will mature nicely.
Beatrice is also an excellent choice for parents looking to name their child something classically unique with a rich history and origin. Beatrice is a great name for children of book lovers and history buffs alike.
Is Beatrice Too Old-Fashioned To Name My Daughter?
You can think of this name as having a rich history. It’s a classic, strong name and a great option for a first-born daughter.
While it’s still fairly uncommon, Beatrice has been rising in popularity in the United States since 2010.
