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Briege

Girl name · 6 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Briege: 6 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 3 births in 1993.

Briege is a Gaelic name, the Scottish and Irish form of the much more common Bridget, which itself derives from the Old Irish *Brighid*, meaning “exalted one” or “strength.” It is deeply tied to Saint Brigid of Kildare, a fifth-century abbess and patroness of Ireland, whose feast day on February 1st marks the beginning of spring in the Celtic calendar. Less internationally known than its English counterpart, Briege retains a distinctly Scottish and Irish feel, and is occasionally used as a short form for Brigid or Bridget. The saint’s name has also inspired the place name Bride, found in various Scottish locations, and the word “bride” itself shares the same root sense of high status. As a given name, Briege remains rare but cherished, often chosen by families with strong Celtic heritage to honour a beloved saint or grandmother.