MallowbyNames

Birgit

BEER-geet · exalted, elevated

Peak popularity
1960
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Birgit since 1934

Babies named Birgit per year in U.S. Social Security records.

8172519602000Most births 1960Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1930s5
1940s0
1950s33
1960s183
1970s48
1980s5
1990s6
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Birgit is a Scandinavian feminine name with deep historical roots, most notably associated with Saint Birgitta of Sweden, a 14th-century mystic and founder of the Bridgettine Order. The name first entered U.S. records in 1934, and its peak year was 1960, reflecting a broader mid-20th-century interest in Nordic names. Although it has never ranked among the top 1000 names nationally, its trajectory has remained stable in recent years, maintaining a modest but consistent presence in Scandinavian-American communities. The name's enduring appeal lies in its strong cultural heritage and the legacy of the saint, making it a distinctive choice for families with Nordic ties.

Birgit is a Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, and German feminine name derived from the Celtic name Brigid, which means "exalted one." The name was borne by Saint Birgitta of Sweden (1303-1373), a mystic and founder of the Bridgettine Order, which helped popularize the name in Scandinavia. It remains a classic name in Nordic countries, often associated with the saint's legacy.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Birgitta, Britt, Bitte, Gittan

Variants: Brigid, Bridget, Brigitte, Birgitta

Sibling names for Birgit

Names that share Birgit's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

B is for Birgit, our favorite little girl.

B is for Birgit…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Birgit's letter becomes Birgit's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Birgit's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Birgit mean?
Birgit means "exalted" or "elevated," derived from the Celtic name Brigid.
How popular is the name Birgit today?
Birgit is not currently ranked in the top 1000 names in the United States. It peaked in popularity in the 1960s, particularly in 1960, and has since become rare.
Is Birgit a boy or girl name?
Birgit is exclusively a feminine name.