Gitte

 Gitte is a Danish and German pet form of Brigitte (itself the German/French form of Bridget). Bridget, in turn, is a Celtic name (specifically Irish) and one of the most successful female names of Irish origin ever.  The name is ultimately related to the Celtic noun “brígh” meaning “power, strength, vigor and virtue.” There are compelling reasons for the popularity of the name Bridget in Ireland and beyond.  For one, she was an important deity in Irish Mythology foremost associated with fire: specifically the fire of inspiration and poetry; of healing and fertility; and of blacksmith and martial arts. See the name Bridget for more detail.  Apparently, her name also means “exalted one” or “the high goddess” from the Celtic word “breed”.  Later, as Christianity mixed with the ancient paganism of the Gaelic Celts, Brighid became known as Muime Chriosd, "Foster-Mother of Christ" and was said to have swaddled the baby Jesus at Mary’s hour of weakness. By medieval times, praying to Brighid brought protection and she was said to have leaned over every cradle watching over newborn babies. The legends and lore of this illustrious goddess continue to this day and is perhaps the most well-known of all Gaelic deities. 

 

Additionally, there lived a popular 4th and 5th century Irish saint, St. Brigit, one of Ireland’s patron saints and probably second in popularity among the Irish people after St. Patrick. Indeed, she is one of the most powerful religious figures in Irish history. Her parents were baptized by St. Patrick himself and she formed a close bond with this important Irish character. The pious Saint Brigit was drawn into religious life early and “took the veil” (i.e. became a nun) in her youth. She is known for her extraordinary spirituality, boundless generosity to the poor and deep compassion for those in distress. In the 9th century amidst Scandinavian raids in Ireland, St. Brigit’s relics were purportedly taken to the tomb of St. Patrick where they remain alongside her fellow Irish patron saint. Given the pagan goddess and the Christian St. Brigit’s enduring importance in Ireland, it’s no surprise that the name has come to us in many forms: Bríd, Brighid, Brigid, Brigit, Breda, Bride (Irish); Bridget, Bridgette (English); Brigitte (French); Brigitta, Brigitte, Gitta, Gitte (German); Birgit, Brigitta, Brita, Britt, Gittan (Scandinavian); and Brígida (Spanish and Portuguese).  Her popularity extended well beyond the Irish borders.