In reading a bit of Irish history, I found this:
So strong was the respect and reverence for this holy lady that she became the
patroness of parishes, towns, and counties, not only in Ireland, but all across Europe.
During the age of Chivalry, she was so revered as a model for women of every age,
that gentlemen, knights, and nobles began the custom of calling their sweethearts,
their Brides - a custom that has come down to this very day.

Dear tsuwm: does OED agree with this?