Brigida is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name "Aemilius," which means "rival" or "to rival." It is believed that the name was given to female infants who were expected to be as strong and powerful as their male counterparts with the same name.
The name Brigida has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Saint Brigid of Ireland, also known as Bride or Brighid. She was a Christian nun and the founder of several monasteries in Ireland during the 5th century. Legend has it that she was born into slavery but was eventually freed by her father due to her kindness and holiness.
Another notable figure with the name Brigida is the Brazilian poet and abolitionist, Maria Brigadeira de Oliveira, better known by her pen name "Brigida". She was born into a wealthy family in the 19th century but dedicated herself to fighting against slavery and promoting women's rights.
Today, Brigida remains a popular name in many countries around the world, particularly in Spain, Italy, and Brazil. While it may not be as common as some other names, those who bear this name are often proud of its rich history and unique meaning.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Brigida has seen a varied number of births in the United States each year since 1911. The name's popularity seems to have peaked in the mid-20th century, with the highest recorded number of births being 19 in 1975.
Interestingly, there were several years where the name Brigida was given to more than 10 babies, including 1969 (17 births), 1973 (12 births), and 1974 (12 births). This suggests that at certain periods in time, the name Brigida may have been particularly favored by parents.
However, it's also worth noting that there were many years where fewer than five babies were named Brigida. For instance, there were no recorded births of girls named Brigida in 1935 and 1986. This indicates that the name hasn't always been widely popular in the United States.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Brigida has fluctuated over time, it's clear that many parents have chosen this name for their daughters throughout the years. As of 2009, a total of 659 babies have been named Brigida in the United States since 1911.