Biddy

Biddy is an English and Irish familiar form of Bridget. Bridget derives from Old Irish Brigit, usually interpreted as “exalted one,” and is connected both with the pre-Christian Irish goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid of Kildare. Biddy was once a common household form, though it later acquired some informal and occasionally disparaging uses in English. Notable bearers include American nurse and philanthropist Biddy Mason and British television producer Biddy Baxter.