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Bridget

♀ Girl

Pronounced BRIJ-it /ˈbrɪdʒ.ɪt/High

Meaning: Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic Bríd or Brighid, from the Old Irish Brigit, possibly meaning 'exalted one' or 'strength' from the Proto-Celtic root brig- (strength, high); name of the beloved Irish goddess and Christian saintHigh

In 30 seconds: Bridget is a name steeped in Irish spiritual power — the name of both a Celtic goddess of fire and wisdom and Ireland's beloved patron saint. Classic, warm, and quietly strong, it is a name with more soul than its familiar face suggests.
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Origin HighIrish Gaelic
MeaningAnglicized form of the Irish Gaelic Bríd or Brighid, from the Old Irish Brigit, possibly meaning 'exalted one' or 'strength' from the Proto-Celtic root brig- (strength, high); name of the beloved Irish goddess and Christian saint
U.S. rank (2025)#724 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births385 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1973
Total births (all-time)≈ 92,370

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197318802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Bridget anglicizes the Irish Brighid, the Celtic goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom who was so beloved that the Church transformed her into Saint Brigid. The name has been central to Irish identity for over 2,000 years. It spread through the Irish diaspora worldwide.

Bridget became stereotypically associated with Irish immigrant domestic servants in 19th-century America, leading to a period of decline. But it has rebounded as a proudly Celtic classic, finding new appreciation among parents who value its strength, heritage, and the revival of Irish names.

Did you know? Saint Brigid of Kildare (c. 451–525) is one of Ireland's three patron saints alongside Patrick and Columba. She founded the first Irish monastery for women at Kildare, and the date of her feast — February 1st — coincides with the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, marking the beginning of spring.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Bridget — etymology and Celtic/Christian historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

BrigidBridieBrigitteBríd

Nicknames

BridBridieBirdieBrig

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Brigid of Kildare (c. 451–525)
    Irish patron saint and founder of the monastery at Kildare.
  • ★Bridget Fonda (1964–present)
    American actress and member of the Fonda acting family.

If you like Bridget…

Brigid— the original Irish form sharing the identical Celtic meaning and heritage
Fiona— fellow Irish/Scottish Gaelic name with the same proud Celtic feminine spirit
Maeve— shares the strong, mythological Irish Gaelic feminine power and warrior queen energy
Siobhan— parallel deeply Irish name with the same ancient tradition and quiet strength

Frequently Asked

What does the name Bridget mean?

Bridget means 'exalted one' or 'strength' from Irish Gaelic Brighid. It is the name of a Celtic fire goddess and Ireland's patron saint Brigid of Kildare.

How do you pronounce Bridget?

Bridget is pronounced BRIJ-it /ˈbrɪdʒ.ɪt/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

What is the Irish form of Bridget?

The original Irish form is Bríd or Brighid. Bridget is the English anglicization most common in the United States.

Is Bridget a popular name today?

Bridget is a classic name that has been in steady use for generations. It is experiencing renewed appreciation as Irish heritage names return to favor.