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HelpAgnes vs. Bridget
Here is the story that my paternal grandmother told:
When she was born in 1900, her parents had chosen the name Bridget for her. Her parents were both Irish immigrants, and her father said that Bridget was a good Irish name.
But the woman who was to be her godmother strongly disliked the idea of naming her Bridget. She said, "If you name that baby Bridget, I will drop her right down there at the altar and walk out of the church."
So she was named Agnes. I don't know if this was the godmother's choice, or if it was something her parents chose after Bridget was nixed so vehemently.
So, do you think that my grandmother's godmother did her a favor in causing her to be named Agnes rather than Bridget? Or should my grandmother have cursed that woman for the rest of her life? Which is better, Agnes or Bridget?
When she was born in 1900, her parents had chosen the name Bridget for her. Her parents were both Irish immigrants, and her father said that Bridget was a good Irish name.
But the woman who was to be her godmother strongly disliked the idea of naming her Bridget. She said, "If you name that baby Bridget, I will drop her right down there at the altar and walk out of the church."
So she was named Agnes. I don't know if this was the godmother's choice, or if it was something her parents chose after Bridget was nixed so vehemently.
So, do you think that my grandmother's godmother did her a favor in causing her to be named Agnes rather than Bridget? Or should my grandmother have cursed that woman for the rest of her life? Which is better, Agnes or Bridget?
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Replies
Back in those days, to be named Bridget would have been a curse.
Bridget was the stereotypical name of a poor Irish maid...Agnes was extremely popular back then, and was esteemed by Protestants and Catholics alike. Although I think it was inappropriate and rude for the godmother to react towards Bridget in such a way, she was probably right for that time period.
Of course, now it would be better to be named Bridget than Agnes.
Bridget was the stereotypical name of a poor Irish maid...Agnes was extremely popular back then, and was esteemed by Protestants and Catholics alike. Although I think it was inappropriate and rude for the godmother to react towards Bridget in such a way, she was probably right for that time period.
Of course, now it would be better to be named Bridget than Agnes.
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Ditto.
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They're both nice enough names. For a child born today, maybe Bridget would work better.
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Agnes!
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Agnes
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Well I prefer Agnes
Bridget seems like a bit of a 1960's-cheerleader snobby rich girl's name to me, but no doubt if it was up against other names (like Jennifer or Jessica) I would thik it was much nicer. In this case though, I do like Agnes. It's also a family name for me, so I'm biased :)
I do like how wholesome and kind Agnes sounds though. Bridget is definitely a little chillier to me.
Did they get to call her Agnes Bridget at least? That's a nice combo.
Bridget seems like a bit of a 1960's-cheerleader snobby rich girl's name to me, but no doubt if it was up against other names (like Jennifer or Jessica) I would thik it was much nicer. In this case though, I do like Agnes. It's also a family name for me, so I'm biased :)
I do like how wholesome and kind Agnes sounds though. Bridget is definitely a little chillier to me.
Did they get to call her Agnes Bridget at least? That's a nice combo.
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No, she was Agnes Marie. She had a filler middle name!
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I'd rather be named Bridget, that's for sure, and if I had been one of the baby's parents, I think I would have found a new godmother. How rude!
I remember as a child hearing my niece (who is actually older than I am) talk about her Aunt Aggie. Even then, I recall thinking how ugly the name sounded. I haven't changed my mind about that, Agnes or Agatha.
I remember as a child hearing my niece (who is actually older than I am) talk about her Aunt Aggie. Even then, I recall thinking how ugly the name sounded. I haven't changed my mind about that, Agnes or Agatha.
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Agnes /nt/
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Bridget!
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Bridget!
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Agnes!
I love Agnes! So cute! Bridget is nice too, though.
I love Agnes! So cute! Bridget is nice too, though.
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Bridget
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Bridget
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Agnes
Agnes is my confirmation name, so I think it's a lovely name for a lovely saint. Unfortunately, it's not one of the old fashioned names blessed by a modern revival, so I wouldn't use it on my children as a first name, but it's definitely on my middle name list.
I think Agnes is a more refined name than Bridget, and was much more current in 1900 than it is in 2010, so I ultimately think that your grandmother was fortunate to have been named Agnes (though her godmother does not sound like the most supportive friend!)
Agnes is my confirmation name, so I think it's a lovely name for a lovely saint. Unfortunately, it's not one of the old fashioned names blessed by a modern revival, so I wouldn't use it on my children as a first name, but it's definitely on my middle name list.
I think Agnes is a more refined name than Bridget, and was much more current in 1900 than it is in 2010, so I ultimately think that your grandmother was fortunate to have been named Agnes (though her godmother does not sound like the most supportive friend!)
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Bridget
:)
:)
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Bridget
I adore Bridget- it is such a strong and elegant name. I just don't think you'd mess with a Bridget. It also isn't really dated to any age group in particular.
I've never warmed to Agnes, it sounds kind of slithery and awkward. I see it as an old lady name but I guess that wouldn't have meant a lot in 1900 when it was much more popular.
I adore Bridget- it is such a strong and elegant name. I just don't think you'd mess with a Bridget. It also isn't really dated to any age group in particular.
I've never warmed to Agnes, it sounds kind of slithery and awkward. I see it as an old lady name but I guess that wouldn't have meant a lot in 1900 when it was much more popular.
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