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Bridget Girl

Popularity: #572 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationBRID-jet / /ˈbrɪdʒɪt/

Irish; Latin

Meaning

Irish: exalted one; Latin: strength

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Bridget has its roots in the Old Irish name Brighid, which is derived from the Proto-Celtic *Brigantī, meaning 'the exalted one' or 'the high one.' The name was associated with the goddess Brigid, a significant figure in Celtic mythology, who was revered for her associations with fertility, healing, poetry, and the forge. The name transitioned into Latin as Brigida and was later adopted into Old French as Brigitte before entering the English language in the medieval period, particularly through the influence of the Normans in the 11th century.

Bridget's historical significance is notably marked by Saint Bridget of Kildare, who lived in the 5th to 6th centuries. She is one of Ireland's patron saints and is celebrated for her role in founding monasteries, including the famous one at Kildare. Her life and works were documented in various hagiographies, which contributed to the name's enduring popularity in Christian contexts. The name was further popularized in the English-speaking world through the translation of religious texts and the veneration of saints, particularly during the medieval period.

Culturally, Bridget has been associated with various symbolic meanings, including strength and resilience, reflecting the qualities attributed to both the goddess and the saint. The name has also been linked to the concept of light and fire, which are central themes in many of the myths surrounding Brigid. This connection to light is particularly resonant in the context of the Celtic festival of Imbolc, which celebrates the beginning of spring and is dedicated to the goddess Brigid. The name has several diminutive forms, such as Bridie or Biddy, which have been used affectionately in various cultures, further enhancing its cultural resonance.

Trend Summary

Bridget has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the 1970s and 1980s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Bridgit
  • Bridgitt
  • Bridgite

International Variants

  • Brigitte (French)
  • Brigida (Italian)
  • Brigette (French)

Famous people named Bridget

Bridget Jones is a fictional character best known for the Bridget Jones's Diary series.

Bridget Fonda is an actress best known for Single White Female, Jackie Brown, and The Godfather Part III.

Bridget Regan is an actress best known for Legend of the Seeker, The Last Ship, and John Wick.

Fictional characters named Bridget

Bridget Jones is a fictional character from the novel and film series Bridget Jones's Diary. She is a single woman navigating her career and romantic relationships while struggling with societal expectations.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Bridget was first seen in the United States in 1880. Bridget has ranked as high as #203 nationally, which occurred in 1973, and has been most popular in New York, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Bridget has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Bridget (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 33
9%
TX 29
8%
NY 26
7%
IL 22
6%
MA 22
6%
VA 19
5%
NJ 18
5%
PA 14
4%
FL 14
4%
GA 12
3%
OH 12
3%
IN 11
3%
MD 10
3%
AZ 9
3%
TN 8
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188035
188134
188231
188328
188437
188538
188643
188734
188839
188930
189042
189134
189234
189341
189435
189531
189636
189747
189832
189922
190040
190134
190231
190322
190429
190532
190634
190733
190825
190946
191036
191131
191251
191348
191459
191595
191695
191772
191897
191984
192070
192178
192281
192360
192481
192566
192665
192767
192866
192981
193058
193178
193263
193360
193471
193565
193672
193750
193877
193954
194067
194187
194268
194369
194473
194593
1946103
1947161
1948172
1949220
1950226
1951274
1952442
1953526
1954459
1955583
1956577
1957627
1958798
19591,052
19601,151
19611,211
19621,407
19631,448
19641,480
19651,543
19661,629
19671,556
19681,454
19691,597
19701,815
19711,711
19721,867
19732,763
19742,082
19751,862
19761,707
19771,642
19781,685
19791,736
19801,832
19811,899
19822,008
19831,748
19841,685
19851,613
19861,577
19871,540
19881,566
19891,635
19901,548
19911,447
19921,414
19931,629
19941,698
19951,469
19961,530
19971,281
19981,287
19991,292
20001,167
20011,156
20021,076
20031,029
20041,035
2005971
2006945
2007909
2008820
2009753
2010687
2011630
2012684
2013565
2014579
2015583
2016509
2017434
2018398
2019385
2020363
2021396
2022356
2023376
2024398