Brigid is a feminine given name of Irish origin, derived from the Old Irish word "Brigit," which means "the exalted one." The name Brigid has been associated with St. Brigid of Kildare, a fifth-century Irish nun who is considered one of Ireland's patron saints along with St. Patrick and St. Columba.
According to Irish legend, St. Brigid was born into nobility but chose to live a life of poverty and devotion to God. She founded the monastery at Kildare and became its abbess, where she lived and worked alongside a community of nuns and men until her death in 525 AD. The saint is revered for her kindness, generosity, and miraculous powers, and many Irish families continue to celebrate Brigid's Day on February 1st, which marks both the beginning of spring and the feast day of St. Brigid.
In addition to its religious significance, the name Brigid has also been popularized by various figures throughout history, such as the poet and playwright Bridget Connell (1887-1952), who was known for her witty and satirical works about Irish life. Today, the name Brigid remains a popular choice among parents seeking an Irish-inspired moniker with a rich historical background.
In terms of its usage and popularity, the name Brigid has been used consistently throughout history but has experienced varying levels of popularity over time. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, for example, the highest number of babies named Brigid was recorded in 1962, with a total of 504 newborn girls receiving the name that year. Since then, its usage has fluctuated but remains relatively uncommon, with only 83 babies named Brigid in 2019.
Overall, the name Brigid offers an attractive option for parents seeking an Irish-inspired name with a strong historical and religious heritage. Its unique spelling and pronunciation make it distinct from other popular names, while its association with St. Brigid ensures that it will continue to be recognized and celebrated throughout Ireland and beyond.
Here are some fascinating statistics about the name Brigid in the United States:
Over the past century, there have been a total of 6,376 babies named Brigid born in the U.S., with the highest number of births occurring in recent years. From 1950 to 2023, Brigid has seen a steady increase in popularity.
The name Brigid first began to gain traction during World War II, with 16 births recorded in 1943 and 27 births in both 1946 and 1948. The post-war boom in Brigid's popularity continued into the 1950s, reaching its peak between 1958 and 1965.
From 1958 to 1965, there were an average of 102 births per year for the name Brigid. The highest number of births during this period occurred in 1964, with 117 newborn girls named Brigid.
However, popularity for the name Brigid started to decline after reaching its peak in the mid-1960s. Between 1972 and 1985, there were fewer than 50 births per year on average for the name Brigid.
Despite this decrease in popularity, Brigid has experienced a resurgence since the late 1980s. From 1985 to 2023, there have been an average of 73 births per year for the name Brigid. The highest number of births recorded in recent years was 66 in 2023.
These statistics show that while Brigid has had periods of high and low popularity over the past century, it remains a unique and distinctive name choice among U.S. parents.