Briggitte is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse name Brígyðr, which is composed of the elements bróðir ('brother') and gyðr ('god'). Thus, Briggitte can be translated as 'dedicated to the brother god', with the brother god in this context being Odin, the All-Father in Norse mythology.
The name Briggitte has a long history, with its earliest records dating back to the Viking Age. It was quite popular among the Norse people and can still be found today in Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland, where it is often spelled Brigt or Britta.
In France, the name Briggitte gained popularity during the Middle Ages when it was introduced by way of trade and cultural exchange with Northern Europe. It has since become a traditional French name, though it remains less common than some other names in the country.
Briggitte is typically used for girls but can also be used as a boy's name in some cultures or languages. Some variations of the name include Brigitte, Brigitta, Britta, and Bridgette.
Overall, Briggitte is a unique and historic name with a strong connection to Norse mythology and Viking heritage. Its meaning and origins make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a name that combines tradition and strength.
The name Briggitte has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations in its annual birth count between 1959 and 1968, as well as in 1990.
In the early 1960s, Briggitte experienced peak popularity, with 12 births each year from 1959 to 1961. This consistent high number suggests that during this period, there was a significant trend favoring the name Briggitte among parents-to-be.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline in the mid-1960s, with a gradual decrease in annual births from 1962 to 1968. The lowest point reached during this period was in 1967 and 1968, with only 5 births each year.
After nearly three decades, there was a resurgence of the name Briggitte in 1990, with 6 births recorded that year. This indicates that even after years of decreased popularity, the name remained present among new parents' choices and continued to be passed down through generations.
In total, over these years, there were 86 births with the name Briggitte in the United States. These statistics demonstrate the enduring appeal of the name Briggitte, despite its fluctuations in popularity throughout different eras.