Bridgett Surname

The Origin of the Surname 'Bridgett'

The surname 'Bridgett' is of English origin and is derived from the medieval female given name 'Bridget', which itself comes from the Gaelic name 'Brighid'. 'Brighid' was a goddess in Celtic mythology, associated with fire, poetry, and wisdom. The name was later adopted by early Christians in Ireland in honor of St. Brigid, a powerful and influential figure in Irish religious history.

Early Instances of the Surname

The surname 'Bridgett' first appeared in written records in England in the 12th century, shortly after the Norman Conquest. It is believed to have originated in the south of England, particularly in the counties of Kent and Sussex. The name spread quickly throughout the country, reaching Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in the following centuries.

Distribution of the Surname

According to data collected from various countries, the surname 'Bridgett' is most prevalent in England, with a total of 421 incidences. This is followed by Northern Ireland with 51 incidences, Canada with 43, and Jamaica with 22. The surname is less common in Wales, Scotland, France, Norway, and South Africa, with only a few occurrences in each of these countries.

Variations of the Surname

Like many surnames, 'Bridgett' has undergone various spelling variations over the years. Some common alternate spellings of the surname include Bridget, Bridgit, Brigit, and Bridgitt. These variations may have arisen due to differences in regional dialects, illiteracy among early record-keepers, or simply personal preference.

Meaning of the Name

The name 'Bridgett' is believed to mean 'exalted one' or 'strength'. This reflects the strong and independent nature of the goddess Brighid and the saint Brigid, as well as their enduring popularity as namesakes. Those who bear the surname 'Bridgett' may feel a sense of pride in their connection to these powerful figures.

Famous Individuals with the Surname

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname 'Bridgett'. One such example is Mary Bridgett, a 19th-century Irish nun who founded the Presentation Order of Blessed Virgin Mary. Another is John Bridgett, an English musician known for his contributions to the folk music scene in the 1960s.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname 'Bridgett' has a rich and fascinating history rooted in ancient Celtic mythology and Christian traditions. From its origins in medieval England to its spread across the globe, the name has endured as a symbol of strength and wisdom. Those who bear the surname 'Bridgett' can take pride in their heritage and the legacy of the powerful women who inspired it.

The surname Bridgett within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs in the case of Bridgett, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in most of the countries of this globe. In the same manner there are nations in which certainly the thickness of men and women using the surname Bridgett is higher than in other countries.

The map of the Bridgett surname

View Bridgett surname map

The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Bridgett on earth, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves in the map, for a tangible country, we can understand tangible number of individuals with all the surname Bridgett, to obtain in this manner the particular information of all the Bridgett that one may presently find in that country. All this also assists us to know not only in which the surname Bridgett comes from, but also in excatly what way the folks who are initially an element of the family that bears the surname Bridgett have moved and moved. Just as, you are able to see by which places they have settled and developed, and that's why if Bridgett is our surname, it appears interesting to which other countries of this world it will be possible that certain of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Bridgett in the world

  1. England England (421)
  2. Nothern Ireland Nothern Ireland (51)
  3. Canada Canada (43)
  4. Jamaica Jamaica (22)
  5. Wales Wales (7)
  6. Scotland Scotland (3)
  7. France France (1)
  8. Norway Norway (1)
  9. South Africa South Africa (1)