Brigitte

Brigitte is the French and German form of Bridget, ultimately derived from the Old Irish name Brighid, composed of the Proto-Celtic element brig meaning high or exalted. The name is closely associated with Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of the patron saints of Ireland, as well as the pre-Christian goddess Brigid, both figures of great cultural importance in Irish tradition. The name spread across Europe largely through veneration of the saint, producing numerous cognates and variants including Bridget, Brigitta, Birgit, and Birgitta. The French form gained particular international visibility through the actress Brigitte Bardot.