Elisabeth shortened to Bessie - whadya think?

[Astrophe]

We know a little girl called Elizabth shortened to Elsie, which we adore, but as they are in our close cirlce of friends we're not sure we'd use it, and are looking for alternatives.

Elisabth shortened to Bessie...

Also considering Margaret shortened to Maisie or Meg, Francesca shortened to Cesca (which DH says makes him thnk of a woman with big hair, who knows why!?), Florence shortened to Florrie and Charlotte shortened to Lottie.

Also Esther, Jane, Grace, Faith.

This is DD3 - feeling a bit stuck.

TIA :)

I like Bess/Bessie as a nn.

although, I would still go for the spelling Elizabeth, because you're less likely to have to spell it out. (i think most people assume Elizabeht, so you'd be constantly saying "Elisabeth with an S not a Z, and teachers are bound to spell it wrong until she can spell it herself!)

No not Bessie, I prefer Eliza as a NN.

I would also go for the spelling of Elizabeth too, I wanted Elisabeth as a middle name but for reasons nickelbaalamb has mentioned we went for EliZabeth.

I love it, my great gran was a Elizabeth, but only ever known as Bessie.

'Aunt Bessies' yorkshire puddings and stuff is what comes to mind. Not my favourite shortening of Elizabeth.

My first thought was 'Bessie Bunter'. I think that all the others are nicer, Liz, Lizzie, Eliza, Beth and even Betty or Bess.

What about Tess or Tessie.....? a bit more feminine than Bess or Bessie I think......

Though there was that Dick Bruna book " Tilly & Tessa were twins" which my Dad stills complains about reading to us ad infinitum!

I have Elizabeth known as Bess! 8 months. No regrets, we love it.

Love Elisabeth, not keen on Bessie though.

The thread is rejuvinated!

Thanks everyone :) I talked to the Mum of our little friend Elsie - just said that one of her kids' names is on our short list, and how would they feel if we used it. She, of course, said it would be totally fine, but I feel better that I've flagged it with her...and yet...the name still seems to really 'belong' to her little girl. Everyone we see day to do know her, and I feel like I'd be saying "Baby's name is Elsie...yes, thats right, like Elsie Smith".

Our next best option is Charlotte/Lottie. I love it, DH likes it, but its so popular and our other DC have less common names.

What about Elisabeth shortened to Elsa?