Declining since 1998.
Popularity of Brigit since 1954
Babies named Brigit per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 39 |
| 1960s | 172 |
| 1970s | 258 |
| 1980s | 160 |
| 1990s | 290 |
| 2000s | 218 |
| 2010s | 90 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Brigit, a variant of Brigid, first entered U.S. records in 1954 and achieved its highest rank in 1976, during the peak of the name's popularity. Since 1998, its usage has steadily declined, and it no longer ranks among the top 1000 names. Despite this, Brigit retains a strong cultural connection to Irish heritage and mythology, shared with the more common form Bridget. The name's trajectory reflects broader naming trends, where traditional names often give way to newer, more fashionable choices.
Brigit is the anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Brighid, derived from the Old Irish brigant meaning 'exalted' or 'high'. In Irish mythology, Brigid was a powerful goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft. The name was later borne by a fifth-century Irish saint, Saint Brigid of Kildare, which spurred its widespread use in Ireland and beyond. The spelling Brigit reflects an older Anglicization, now less common than Bridget.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bridie, Biddy, Bri
Sibling names for Brigit
Names that share Brigit's style, for a brother or sister.
