Bridgette is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It is a variant spelling of the name Brigid or Brighid, which means "exalted one" in Irish. The name has been associated with Saint Brigid of Ireland, who was a Christian saint and abbess from the 5th century. She is believed to have founded the first monastery in Ireland and is revered as a patron saint of that country. Throughout history, the name Bridgette has been popular among Irish families and has also gained popularity in other English-speaking countries. It is often shortened to the nickname "Biddy.
The name Bridgette has seen some fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States. In 1966 and again in 1974, there were five babies named Bridgette each year. This indicates that the name was steadily gaining traction during this period. However, it appears that by 1989, the name's popularity had increased slightly, with six babies being named Bridgette that year. Overall, from these statistics, we can conclude that a total of sixteen girls were named Bridgette in the United States over these three years combined. This data provides insight into how the name's usage has evolved over time.