The name Brigitte carries with it a sense of classic elegance and quiet strength. But how popular is the name Brigitte today, and what is its history? Let’s delve into the meaning, popularity, and alternatives to this timeless name.
(Image of Brigitte)
Brigitte Name Popularity
How popular is the name Brigitte? Here’s everything we know. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides detailed data on name popularity in the United States, allowing us to trace the usage of Brigitte over the years.
While Brigitte hasn’t consistently ranked among the top names, its usage has seen peaks and valleys, reflecting changing trends and cultural influences. The provided data shows a detailed breakdown of the name’s ranking and frequency from 1910 to 2023.
Here’s a summary of Brigitte’s popularity trends:
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Early 20th Century (1910-1954): The name was virtually unused in the United States according to the SSA data.
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Mid-Century Rise (1955-1989): Brigitte experienced a surge in popularity, peaking in the late 1950s and 1960s. The highest ranks achieved were in the 500s and 700s. 1959 and 1960 saw ranks of 574 and 550 respectively. These years saw a few hundred births per year. The peak number of births occurred in 1960 with 270.
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Decline and Fluctuation (1990-2023): After the 1980s, the name generally declined in popularity. While there were some minor resurgences, the name hovered in the 1000s and 2000s. Most recently, the name ranked 2,523 with 29 births in 2023.
The chart provided showing the District of Columbia highlights how few children born in DC are given the name Brigitte.
What Does Brigitte Mean?
Brigitte is a name with strong roots, derived from the Gaelic name Brighid or Brigid. The name is often associated with the meaning "exalted one" or "strength." In Celtic mythology, Brigid was a powerful goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. This association lends the name Brigitte an air of intelligence, creativity, and feminine power.
The connection to a Celtic goddess also links the name to themes of healing, protection, and fertility. Choosing the name Brigitte could therefore be seen as bestowing a blessing of these qualities upon a child.
Names Like Brigitte
If you appreciate the sound and feel of Brigitte, here are some similar names you might consider:
Variants of Brigitte:
- Gitte: A simpler, more informal variant with French origins.
Sound-Alike Names:
- Bridgitte: A slightly different spelling that maintains the pronunciation.
- Brigette: Another common variant spelling.
- Briggitte: Another common variant spelling.
- Brigitt: A shortened version of the name.
- Brigitta: A variant used in various European countries.
- Brijitte: An uncommon variant of Brigitte.
- Brygitte: Another variant of Brigitte.
Similar Names:
- Gitta: An Irish name.
Naming Inspiration: Beyond the Data
Choosing a name is a deeply personal decision. The data on name popularity can provide valuable insights into trends, but ultimately, the best name is the one that resonates with you and your family. Consider the meaning, origin, and overall feeling of a name to find the perfect fit for your child.