Bridey

Bridey is a variant of Bride, an anglicized form of Bríd, which is the Irish form of Brigid or Bridget. The name ultimately derives from the Irish noun brígh, meaning “power, strength, virtue” or “exalted one.” The Scottish Gaelic form of the name is Brìghde. Brigid was the name of an early Celtic goddess associated with fire, healing, and agriculture, and later of St. Brigid of Kildare, who had similar characteristics. Some of the mythology surrounding the goddess Brigid may have been transferred to St. Brigid when Christianity came to Ireland. One of Ireland’s most famous saints, Brigid’s feast day is celebrated on the 1st of February and is considered the first day of spring. This name and its many variants, including Bridget, Bríd, Bride and Bridey, were once hugely popular for Irish girls. Another saint bearing the name is St. Bridget of Sweden, who spread the name throughout Germany and Scandinavia. Other variants of the name in different languages include Birgit, Birgitta, Birgitte, Brigida, Bridzhit, Brita, Britta, and more. Though there are lots of options to choose from, Bridey has a charming old-fashioned Irish feel, making it a great tribute to your Irish ancestry.