Meaning & History
Piret is an Estonian feminine given name, derived as a form of Birgitta. The ultimate root is Bridget, which comes from the Old Irish Brigit, from Celtic Brigantī meaning "the exalted one." In Irish mythology, Brigit was the goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. Saint Brigid of Ireland (5th century) and Saint Birgitta of Sweden (14th century) further popularized the name across Europe. Piret is the Estonian adaptation of this wide-reaching name.
Etymology
Piret entered Estonian usage through the Swedish form Birgitta, which itself derived from the Latinized Brigitta. The name’s Celtic origin ties to the word for “exalted” or “high,” reflecting its association with both mythology and sanctity. In Estonia, Piret has become a standalone name rather than a mere variant, with its own cultural resonance.
Notable Bearers
In Estonian mythology, Piret is the wife of the giant hero Suur Tõll, a figure in folklore from the island of Saaremaa. Several modern Estonian women bear the name across various fields:
- Piret Bristol (born 1968) – poet and novelist
- Piret Hartman (born 1981) – politician
- Piret Järvis (born 1984) – singer and guitarist of the band Vanilla Ninja
- Piret Kalda (born 1966) – actress
- Piret Krumm (born 1989) – actress and singer
- Piret Laurimaa (born 1971) – actress
- Piret Niglas (born 1968) – cross-country skier
- Piret Pormeister (born 1985) – cross-country skier
- Piret Raud (born 1971) – children's writer and illustrator
- Piret Saluri (born 1943) – translator and diplomat
- Piret Viirma (born 1968) – draughts player
Cultural Significance
The character of Piret in Estonian mythology—alongside her husband Suur Tõll—is a symbol of strength and folklore. The name’s popularity in modern Estonia is also supported by recognizable figures in arts, sports, and public life.
Related Names
Other variants of Birgitta across languages include Brigita (Slovene), Birgit (Swedish), Birgitte (Norwegian), and Berit (Swedish).
- Meaning: Exalted one (via Bridget)
- Origin: Estonian form of Birgitta
- Type: Feminine given name
- Usage regions: Estonia
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Piret