"strength, power, virtue"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
Bridget
Pronunciation: [ br-IHJ-uht ]
Girl Name
#704 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
An ancient Irish goddess name carried by Ireland's beloved saint
Irish
English
Scandinavian
Scottish
Classic
Strong
Traditional
Vintage
Spiritual
Meaning & Origin
"exalted one, the high one"
Origin: Proto-Celtic
Language: Irish
The Story of Bridget
Bridget is the Anglicized form of the Irish Brighid or Brigid, derived from the Old Irish brig meaning strength, power, or virtue. Brigid was one of the most important goddesses in Irish mythology, a triple goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft. When Christianity arrived in Ireland, the goddess merged with Saint Brigid of Kildare (c. 451-525 AD), one of Ireland's three patron saints, making the name inseparable from Irish spiritual identity.
Bridget was a consistent top-100 name in the US throughout the 20th century, particularly popular among Irish-American families. It peaked in the 1970s-80s and has maintained steady use as a beloved Irish classic. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) gave the name a warm, relatable modern heroine image.
Saint Brigid of Kildare is co-patron of Ireland alongside Saint Patrick and Saint Columba. Her feast day on February 1st coincides with Imbolc, the Celtic spring festival. In Scandinavian countries, the Swedish Saint Birgitta of Vadstena is the equivalent figure. The name is a cornerstone of Irish Catholic heritage.
Fun Facts
- Saint Brigid of Kildare is believed to have been born around 450 AD and founded the monastery of Kildare
- The Brigid's Cross, woven from rushes, is still made in Ireland on February 1st for protection and good luck
- The Swedish form Birgitta gave rise to the Birgitta of Vadstena, Sweden's patron saint, whose revelations influenced medieval European theology
Bridget in Other Languages
Irish
Brighid
French
Brigitte
Italian
Brigida
Spanish
Brigida
Swedish
Birgitta
Famous People Named Bridget
B
Brigitte Bardot
Actor
1934
French actress and model who became a global sex symbol in the 1950s-60s and later an animal rights activist
B
Brigid of Kildare
Religious
451
Irish abbess and patron saint of Ireland, known for her charity and miracle-working
B
Bridget Jones Fictional
Other
Fictional protagonist of Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary (1996), the beloved British everywoman
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #704
- Total SSA Count
- 398
- Cultural Origins
- Irish English Scandinavian Scottish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Bri
Bridge
Biddy
Bridie
Pairs Well With
Bridget Ann
Bridget Marie
Bridget Rose
Bridget Elizabeth
Bridget Clare
Bridget Kate
Bridget Jean
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Bridget is also used as a boy name, ranked #10434.
View Bridget as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bridget
What does the name Bridget mean?
"strength, power, virtue" (from Old Irish). "exalted one, the high one" (from Proto-Celtic). Bridget is the Anglicized form of the Irish Brighid or Brigid, derived from the Old Irish brig meaning strength, power, or virtue. Brigid was one of the most important goddesses in Irish mythology, a triple goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft. When Christianity arrived in Ireland, the goddess merged with Saint Brigid of Kildare (c. 451-525 AD), one of Ireland's three patron saints, making the name inseparable from Irish spiritual identity.
What is the origin of the name Bridget?
Bridget has Old Irish, Proto-Celtic, Irish, English, Scandinavian, and Scottish origins. In Old Irish, it means "strength, power, virtue". In Proto-Celtic, it means "exalted one, the high one".
Is Bridget a boy or girl name?
Bridget is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #704. As a boy name, it is ranked #10434. Bridget is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Bridget?
Bridget is pronounced br-IHJ-uht.
How popular is the name Bridget?
Bridget is currently ranked #704 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Bridget?
Common nicknames for Bridget include Bri, Bridge, Biddy, and Bridie.
What are good middle names for Bridget?
Popular middle name pairings include Bridget Ann, Bridget Marie, Bridget Rose, Bridget Elizabeth, Bridget Clare, Bridget Kate, and Bridget Jean.
What are good sibling names for Bridget?
Names that pair well with Bridget as siblings include Patrick, Brendan, Siobhan, Fiona, Declan, Maeve, and Cormac.
How many syllables does Bridget have?
Bridget has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Bridget a common or rare name?
Bridget is moderately common, ranked #704 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Bridget
Bridget is a girl name with Irish, English, Scandinavian, and Scottish origins . The name means "strength, power, virtue" in Old Irish .
Is Bridget a boy or girl name? Bridget is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #704 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #10,434. Bridget is more commonly used as a girl name.
Bridget is currently ranked #704 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Bridget has 2 syllables and is pronounced br-IHJ-uht, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Bridget include Bri, Bridge, Biddy, and Bridie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Bridget include Bridgette . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.