Bridget is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It comes from the Gaelic name "Brighid" which means "exalted one." The name Bridget has been associated with Saint Brigid, the patron saint of Ireland who was known for her kindness and generosity towards the poor. She is believed to have founded the monastery in Kildare, where she served as its abbess. The name Bridget has also been popular among royalty, with several queens throughout history bearing this name. Today, Bridget remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Bridget experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. In the late 19th to early 20th century, it maintained a steady presence with around 30-40 births per year. However, starting in the mid-1940s, its popularity began to soar, reaching a peak in 1973 with an unprecedented 2763 births. This marked a dramatic increase from previous years and indicated a notable resurgence of interest in the name Bridget during this period.
After the 1970s, the name's popularity started to decline steadily. By the late 1980s to early 1990s, it had fallen back down to levels similar to those seen in the late 19th century. The turn of the millennium marked another shift, with Bridget experiencing a further decrease in popularity. Between 2000 and 2023, the name's popularity continued to decline, reaching an all-time low in recent years, with fewer than 400 births recorded per year.
In total, over the period from 1880 to 2023, there have been a combined 91582 births of the name Bridget. Despite its fluctuating popularity, Bridget remains a classic and historic name that has maintained a presence in naming trends for well over a century.