Bridie

Bridie is a given name and a surname derived from Bríd, the Irish form of Bridget. In Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, Bridie has commonly been used as a standalone given name and as a nickname for Bridget. The name carries the cultural heritage associated with Brigid, and it is found in Irish, British, and other English-speaking communities.

Notable people named Bridie include Bridie Gallagher (1926–2016), an Irish traditional singer known as the Irish Nightingale, and Bridie Carter, an Australian actress known for work in television. The name has been used in various regions and periods, reflecting both Irish naming traditions and broader Anglophone naming practices.

Bridie also refers to a traditional Scottish meat pie, often called a Glasgow bridie. It is a savory pastry filled with minced beef and onion, sometimes seasoned with pepper and herbs, enclosed in dough and baked. The shape is typically oval or crescent, and it is commonly eaten hot or cold. Bridies are a regional specialty in Scotland and are widely available in bakeries and pubs in Scotland and the north of England; they are related to other meat pies but are distinct in their pastry and filling style.

In contemporary usage, Bridie can denote either the given name or the pastry, depending on context. The term is part of a broader set of names and dishes linked to Irish and Scottish cultural heritage.