 St. Brigid of Kildare inspired the popularity of the name Bridget. | |
| Pronunciation | /ˈbrɪdʒɪt/ BRIJ-it |
|---|---|
| Origin | |
| Word/name | Irish |
| Meaning | Noble or exalted one |
| Other names | |
| Related names | Briget, Brigid, Brigitte, Birgit, Birgitta, Birgitte, Bridgette, Breda, Breada, |
Bridget is an Irish female name derived from the Gaelic noun brígh, meaning "power, strength, vigor, virtue".[1] An alternative meaning of the name is "exalted one".[2] Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is largely related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as "Mary of the Gael". This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was "Brigid of the Holy Fire".[3] In German and Scandinavian countries, the popularity of the name spread due to Saint Bridget of Sweden.
In the Irish language, the name is spelled Bríd or Brighid, pronounced [bʲɾʲiːdʲ]. In the Scottish Gaelic language, the name is spelled Brìghde, pronounced [ˈpɾʲiːʝtʲə]. At one time the name was so popular for Irish girls that Bridey was used as a slang term for an Irish girl in English-speaking countries. Some Irish servant girls were called Biddie or Biddy by their employers even if that wasn't their real first name. It has been steadily used in the United States throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, though never among the top 100 most popular names for girls. It was most popular in the 1970s, when it ranked as the 153rd most popular name for girls born in that decade in the United States. It was ranked as the 367th most common name for girls and women in the United States in the 1990 census.[4]
- ^ Todd (1998), p. 23.
- ^ Campbell, Mike. "Meaning, origin and history of the name Bridget". Behind the Name. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ Todd (1998), p. 23
- ^ Campbell, Mike. "Popularity for the name Bridget". Behind the Name. Retrieved 14 February 2018.