"exalted, high, strength"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: English
Brigitte
Pronunciation: [ br-IHJ-iht ]
Girl Name
#2,365 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
Celtic goddess, French icon, timeless elegance
French
German
Irish
Scandinavian
Elegant
Vintage
Sophisticated
Classic
Bold
Meaning & Origin
"power, elevated"
Origin: Celtic
Language: English
The Story of Brigitte
Brigitte is the French and German form of the Irish name Brigid (also Brighid, Bride), derived from the Old Irish 'Brigit' meaning 'exalted, strength, power.' Brigid was a triple goddess in Irish Celtic religion, associated with healing, poetry, and craftsmanship. She was Christianized as Saint Brigid of Kildare (c. 451-525), one of the three patron saints of Ireland. The name spread across Europe with Irish missionaries.
Brigitte became internationally glamorous largely through Brigitte Bardot, the French actress and model who was the ultimate symbol of 1950s-60s European beauty and sexuality. Her fame made Brigitte feel simultaneously chic and timeless.
Saint Brigid of Kildare is one of the most powerful women in early Christianity — she founded one of Ireland's most important monasteries and her feast day (February 1) coincides with the Celtic festival of Imbolc, marking the beginning of spring.
Fun Facts
- Saint Brigid's Cross is still hung in Irish homes for protection on her feast day, February 1st
- Brigitte Bardot's retirement from acting at age 40 to become an animal rights activist became as famous as her film career
Brigitte in Other Languages
Irish
Bríd
French
Brigitte
German
Brigitte
Italian
Brigida
Spanish
Brígida
Swedish
Birgit
Famous People Named Brigitte
B
Brigitte Macron
Other
1953
French First Lady and wife of President Emmanuel Macron
B
Brigitte Bardot
Actor
1934
French actress, model, and activist who became an icon of 1950s-60s European glamour and later dedicated her life to ani...
French actress, model, and activist who became an icon of 1950s-60s European glamour and later dedicated her life to animal rights
S
Saint Brigid of Kildare
Religious
451
One of Ireland's three patron saints, founder of the monastery of Kildare, and one of the most powerful women in early m...
One of Ireland's three patron saints, founder of the monastery of Kildare, and one of the most powerful women in early medieval Christianity
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,365
- Total SSA Count
- 77
- Cultural Origins
- French German Irish Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Bri
Britt
Gitte
Pairs Well With
Brigitte Marie
Brigitte Anne
Brigitte Claire
Brigitte Elise
Brigitte Nicole
Brigitte Renee
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Brigitte
What does the name Brigitte mean?
"exalted, high, strength" (from Old Irish). "power, elevated" (from Celtic). Brigitte is the French and German form of the Irish name Brigid (also Brighid, Bride), derived from the Old Irish 'Brigit' meaning 'exalted, strength, power.' Brigid was a triple goddess in Irish Celtic religion, associated with healing, poetry, and craftsmanship. She was Christianized as Saint Brigid of Kildare (c. 451-525), one of the three patron saints of Ireland. The name spread across Europe with Irish missionaries.
What is the origin of the name Brigitte?
Brigitte has Old Irish, Celtic, French, German, Irish, and Scandinavian origins. In Old Irish, it means "exalted, high, strength". In Celtic, it means "power, elevated".
Is Brigitte a boy or girl name?
Brigitte is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Brigitte?
Brigitte is pronounced br-IHJ-iht.
How popular is the name Brigitte?
Brigitte is currently ranked #2365 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Brigitte?
Common nicknames for Brigitte include Bri, Britt, and Gitte.
What are good middle names for Brigitte?
Popular middle name pairings include Brigitte Marie, Brigitte Anne, Brigitte Claire, Brigitte Elise, Brigitte Nicole, and Brigitte Renee.
What are good sibling names for Brigitte?
Names that pair well with Brigitte as siblings include Colette, Margot, Vivienne, Jacques, Pierre, and Celine.
How many syllables does Brigitte have?
Brigitte has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Brigitte a common or rare name?
Brigitte is an uncommon name, ranked #2365 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Brigitte
Brigitte is a girl name with French, German, Irish, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "exalted, high, strength" in Old Irish .
Brigitte is currently ranked #2,365 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Brigitte has 2 syllables and is pronounced br-IHJ-iht, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Brigitte include Bri, Britt, and Gitte. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Brigitte include Brighton, Brigid . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.