Brigid

What does the baby name Brigid mean? Learn about what Brigid means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Brigid - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Brigid: B-R-I-G-I-D, is a 6-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Brigid: 'Breed' in Ireland.; bridge + id'
Meaning of Brigid: Strong, exalted, lofty, power, vigour, virtue.
Origin of Brigid: The name 'Brigid' has ancient roots and can be traced back to the Celtic goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. In Celtic mythology, 'Brigid' was highly revered and considered a triple deity, representing three aspects of womanhood the maiden, the mother, and the crone. The name itself is believed to have originated from the Old Irish 'Brigit' or 'Brighid', which means 'exalted one' or 'high goddess. '; Celtic Names; Gaelic Names; Irish Names; Saints Names
Popularity of Brigid: Over the centuries, the popularity of the name 'Brigid' has seen its fair share of fluctuations. In ancient times, it was a widely used name among the Celtic people, reflecting their reverence for the goddess 'Brigid'. However, with the advent of Christianity, the name 'Brigid' underwent a transformation. It became associated with Saint 'Brigid' of Kildare, one of Ireland 's patron saints, who was said to embody the virtues of the ancient goddess. This led to a surge in popularity for the name among Christians, particularly in Ireland.; Brigid currently has 48 likes, and is in the top 8% of liked girl's names. The name Arlette is slightly more popular than Brigid.

Etymology of Brigid

To truly understand the linguistic roots of the name 'Brigid', we must look to the ancient Celtic languages. The Old Irish form, 'Brigit', is derived from the Proto-Celtic word 'brigantī', which means 'high, mighty'. This etymology aligns with the goddess 's exalted status and the reverence she commanded. The name 'Brigid' also shares linguistic connections with other Celtic languages, such as Welsh 'Ffraid' and Cornish 'Bregek', further emphasizing its ancient origins.

Cultural Significance of Brigid

The name 'Brigid' holds significant cultural importance, particularly in Ireland. Saint 'Brigid' of Kildare, also known as Mary of the Gael, is one of Ireland 's patron saints, alongside Saint Patrick. She is revered for her compassion, generosity, and dedication to the poor. Saint 'Brigid 's influence extends beyond religious contexts, as she is also associated with healing, poetry, and craftsmanship. In modern-day Ireland, the name 'Brigid' is still cherished, symbolizing the country 's rich cultural heritage.