Brigid
A girl's name of Irish origin with 6,443 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
The goddess of the Sacred Flame of Kildare and the patron goddess of the Druids. Daughter of Dagda of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
Brigid is a girl's baby name of Irish origin, derived from the Old Irish Brigit, meaning 'exalted one' or 'power' — from the Celtic root brig, meaning high or noble. In Irish mythology, Brigid was a goddess of healing, poetry, and smithcraft; in Christian history, Saint Brigid of Kildare is one of Ireland's three patron saints.
One of the oldest Irish names still in use, Brigid carries the full sweep of Celtic and Christian heritage. While Bridget has been its more common anglicized form, the original Brigid has been embraced by parents seeking an authentic Irish spelling. It was a top name in Ireland for centuries and remains a name of genuine national significance.
EtymologyShow more
Brigid is built from 6 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the Irish naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Brigid creates its characteristic sharp, distinct quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Brigid was #1646 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2662, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 306 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 792 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 1,109 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 1,033 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 852 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 641 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 962 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 526 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 169 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 42 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1910s | 6 | — |
The Story of Brigid
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2000, Brigid is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Brigid are most likely born between 1990 and 2010.
How rare is Brigid?
Only about 1 in every 55,385 babies born in 2024 was named Brigid — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1917, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2000s with 1,109 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Brigid by the numbers
- Would fill 134 school buses
- Meeting one Brigid per day would take 17.7 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(92 years, 1917–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 65 | #2662 |
| 2023 | 67 | #2620 |
| 2022 | 56 | #2963 |
| 2021 | 46 | #3399 |
| 2020 | 72 | #2419 |
| 2019 | 77 | #2334 |
| 2018 | 73 | #2441 |
| 2017 | 75 | #2406 |
| 2016 | 79 | #2367 |
| 2015 | 80 | #2323 |
| 2014 | 86 | #2200 |
| 2013 | 75 | #2413 |
| 2012 | 86 | #2192 |
| 2011 | 79 | #2350 |
| 2010 | 82 | #2316 |
| 2009 | 89 | #2206 |
| 2008 | 98 | #2080 |
| 2007 | 91 | #2180 |
| 2006 | 106 | #1907 |
| 2005 | 109 | #1790 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brigid a boy's or girl's name?
When was Brigid most popular?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1917–2024