The name Bridgett is an English feminine form of the masculine name Bridget, derived from the Irish Gaelic name Brighid. Brighid was the name of a Celtic goddess associated with fertility, healing, and poetry in Irish mythology. It is believed that the name Brighid originated from the Old Celtic word "brig," meaning "exalted one" or "powerful."

Bridgett gained popularity as a Christian name after St. Bridget of Kildare, a 5th-century Irish nun who founded several monasteries in Ireland. She is one of Ireland's patron saints, and her feast day is celebrated on February 1st. The name Bridgett spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages due to the veneration of St. Bridget.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Bridgett can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a collection of annals documenting the history of the Anglo-Saxons. The name appears in the entry for the year 1066, which describes the Norman Conquest of England.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Bridgett. One example is Bridgett Mendler, an American actress and singer born in 1992, best known for her role in the Disney Channel series "Good Luck Charlie." Another is Bridgett Wagner, an American model and actress born in 1963, who appeared in several popular television shows and films in the 1980s and 1990s.

In the literary world, Bridgett Jones, the fictional protagonist of the novel and film series "Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding, became a cultural icon in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The character's name was a play on the name "Bridget," adding the "t" at the end.

Bridgett Riley, an English painter born in 1931, is renowned for her pioneering work in the Op Art movement, creating visual illusions through the use of geometric patterns and contrasting colors.

Lastly, Bridgett Fonden, a Swedish actress born in 1950, gained international recognition for her roles in several Swedish and American films, including "Papillion" (1973) and "The Boys from Brazil" (1978).