Birgitta

Birgitta is a Scandinavian form of the Celtic name Brighid, derived from the Old Irish element brígh meaning strength or power. The name spread widely across medieval Scandinavia through the immense influence of Saint Birgitta of Sweden, a fourteenth-century mystic and founder of the Bridgettine order who became one of the patron saints of Europe. Her veneration helped establish Birgitta as one of the most prominent feminine names throughout the Nordic countries for centuries. Closely related forms include Brigitta, Birgit, Britta, and Brigid.