BIRGIT
Birgit: translation
Birgit f
Swedish (also used elsewhere in Scandinavia): borrowing of the Irish Gaelic name Brighid (see BRIDGET (SEE Bridget)). This name owes its enormous popularity in Scandinavia, especially in Sweden, to St Birgitta(1304–73), patron saint of Sweden. She was a noblewoman who bore her husband eight children. After his death, she founded an order of nuns, the ‘Bridgettines’ or Order of the Most Holy Saviour. She also went to Rome, where she attempted to reform religious life.
Variants: Berit, Britt, Brit(t)a; Birgitta (now rare). Danish: Birgitte, Birt(h)e, Gitte.