In German, Lisa doesn't directly "mean" something as a standalone word. Instead, it's a diminutive form of the name Elisabeth, which ultimately means "God's promise" or "pledged to God."
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Lisa as a Short Form: Lisa is a shortened, more casual version of Elisabeth, similar to how Beth is a shortened form of Elizabeth in English.
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Elisabeth's Meaning: The name Elisabeth (or Elizabeth) originates from the Hebrew name Elisheva (אֱלִישֶׁבַע), which translates to "My God is abundance," "My God is an oath," or, more commonly, "God's promise" or "pledged to God."
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German Usage: In German-speaking countries, Lisa is a popular given name in its own right, carrying with it the inherent meaning of its longer form, Elisabeth. The name's association with Elisabeth connects it to the biblical figure Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.
Therefore, while Lisa itself has no independent meaning in German beyond being a name, it strongly implies the meaning of Elisabeth, which is "God's promise."
