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[Facts] Bridget/Delia
I have been researching my family history.
On the Irish side, I have run into two females, who seem to have both names: Bridget and Delia. Is Delia a nickname for Bridget?
Please advise. Thanks.
linda helgesen
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During the colonial era there was an attempt to eliminate all cultural references from Irish names. My aunt was Brigid but was called Delia. This illogical practice was widespred.Our surnames were widely changed. In my case MacConmara was changed to the similar sounding MacNamara (or Mc or even M'). We are doing a bit of a fight back but Anglo culture is all-pervading.
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My grandmother's name was Delia but everybody called her Bridgie. She left Limerick and settled in NYC at the beginning of the 1900's.
I never knew that there was a connection between the two names.
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While "Delia" is a name in its own right -- of Greek origin, actually, and derived from "Delos", the birthplace of the goddess Artemis and the god Apollo -- it's also a nickname for the Irish name "Bedelia".And the name "Bedelia" or "Bidelia" has been used in Ireland as a variation of "Bridget".-- Nanaea
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...Bide(t)lia would also make nasty French name :PPP
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Evil French Twins: Bidetlia & Poupee;)
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Vachement rigolo! :)
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