What does Bridget mean and where does it come from?
Originating from the Irish name Brighid (Bríd), Bridget has been a widely used name across English-speaking countries. St. Bridget of Kildare is one of the patron saints of Ireland. The name has various forms and variations in different cultures.
Cultural significance
Bridget has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of strength, exalted one.
Peak popularity
Reached #112 in 1973 — currently #747 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Bridget?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Bridget?
Bridget works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bridget Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bridget Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bridget Mae
Sweet · timeless
Bridget Claire
French influence · crisp
Bridget Jane
Literary · strong
Bridget Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bridget right now?
Rising — up 46 spots — currently #747 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #747 | 376 | ▲ up 46 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #793 | 356 | ▼ down 72 · -10% births |
| 2021 | #721 | 396 | ▲ up 26 · +10% births |
| 2020 | #747 | 361 | ▼ down 211 · -38% births |
| 2015 | #536 | 582 | ▼ down 89 · -15% births |
| 2010 | #447 | 687 | ▼ down 118 · -29% births |
| 2005 | #329 | 971 | ▼ down 55 · -17% births |
| 2000 | #274 | 1,167 | ▼ down 73 · -21% births |
| 1995 | #201 | 1,469 | ▼ down 10 · -5% births |
| 1990 | #191 | 1,547 | ▼ down 18 · -4% births |
| 1985 | #173 | 1,613 | ▼ down 20 · -12% births |
| 1980 | #153 | 1,831 | ▼ down 10 · -2% births |
| 1975 | #143 | 1,863 | ▲ up 36 · +3% births |
| 1970 | #179 | 1,815 | ▲ up 34 · +18% births |
| 1965 | #213 | 1,544 | — |
The story of Bridget
Bridget has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 90,593 babies have received this name. Once ranked #261 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #747 in 2023. Bridget is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Bridget in 1973:
Bridget by decade
Bridget peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 349 | |
| 1890s | 354 | |
| 1900s | 326 | |
| 1910s | 668 | |
| 1920s | 715 | |
| 1930s | 648 | |
| 1940s | 1,113 | |
| 1950s | 5,564 | |
| 1960s | 14,484 | |
| 1970s ★ | 18,938 | |
| 1980s | 17,162 | |
| 1990s | 14,608 | |
| 2000s | 9,858 | |
| 2010s | 5,445 | |
| 2020s | 361 | |
What are good nicknames for Bridget?
DANISH
BirteBirtheBritaBrittBrittaGitte
FINNISH
BritaPirjoPirkkoPriitaRiitta
Famous people named Bridget
B(
Bridget (Celtic chieftain)
Bridget bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
B(
Bridget (Irish poet or writer)
Bridget used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
B(
Bridget (Irish saint)
Bridget helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
B(
Bridget (Irish poet or writer)
Bridget used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Bridget?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bridget also consider these
How is Bridget written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Bridget
What does the name Bridget mean?
Bridget means "strength, exalted one" — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bridget?
Bridget is currently ranked #747 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bridget?
Bridget originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bridget?
Bridget is a two-syllable name pronounced B R IH1 JH AH0 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Bridget more of a girl or boy name?
Bridget is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.