I like
Bette pronounced
Betty.
The lady next door to me when I was growing up, was a
Bette pronounced
Betty.
I've never personally known a
Betty, that I'm aware of (when I was a kid we addressed all women as Mrs/Miss/Ms. lastname so I could've known one and not realized it).
I don't like
Bette pronounced like bet. It's ugly and weird in English, imo. Reminds me only of
Bette Midler (who's talented enough, but distinctly lacks the glamor of
Bette Davis imo). I've never even heard of anyone else called
Bette pronounced
Bet.
The name
Bette (two syllables) makes me think of someone who is witty and confident and down-to-earth. Not sophisticated, but maybe strong, and optionally glamorous.
I can imagine it coming back, but I don't think it's likely. Not for another 15-25 years anyway.
- mirfak