Dorothy Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationDOR-uh-thee / /ˈdɔːr.ə.θi/Greek; English
Meaning
Greek: gift of God; English: God's gift
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Dorothy has its roots in the Greek name Dorothea, which means 'gift of God.' It became popular in English-speaking countries during the 19th century. The name has been associated with various saints and has appeared in literature and popular culture, contributing to its enduring appeal.
Trend Summary
The name Dorothy has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Dottie
- Dot
International Variants
- Dorotea (Spanish)
- Dorothee (German)
- Dorit (Hebrew)
Famous people named Dorothy
Dorothy Parker was an American poet, writer, and critic known for her sharp wit and contributions to the literary scene in the early 20th century.
Dorothy Lamour was an American actress and singer famous for her roles in the 'Road to...' film series alongside Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.
Dorothy Dandridge was an American actress and singer, recognized as the first African American woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Dorothy Stang was an American nun and activist who worked in Brazil advocating for the rights of the poor and the environment.
Fictional characters named Dorothy
Dorothy Gale is the main character in L. Frank Baum's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,' who travels to the magical land of Oz.
Dorothy Vance is a character in the novel 'The House of the Seven Gables' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, representing themes of guilt and redemption.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Dorothy was first seen in the United States in 1894. Dorothy has ranked as high as #738 nationally, which occurred in 1930, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Illinois, and South Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Dorothy has been trending about the same compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Dorothy (1960)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| MS | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1894 | 7 |
| 1895 | 5 |
| 1897 | 6 |
| 1899 | 8 |
| 1900 | 8 |
| 1902 | 7 |
| 1903 | 7 |
| 1904 | 17 |
| 1905 | 11 |
| 1906 | 20 |
| 1907 | 21 |
| 1908 | 19 |
| 1909 | 26 |
| 1910 | 24 |
| 1911 | 31 |
| 1912 | 42 |
| 1913 | 43 |
| 1914 | 40 |
| 1915 | 44 |
| 1916 | 72 |
| 1917 | 60 |
| 1918 | 59 |
| 1919 | 66 |
| 1920 | 76 |
| 1921 | 87 |
| 1922 | 66 |
| 1923 | 92 |
| 1924 | 101 |
| 1925 | 99 |
| 1926 | 119 |
| 1927 | 124 |
| 1928 | 122 |
| 1929 | 118 |
| 1930 | 153 |
| 1931 | 141 |
| 1932 | 112 |
| 1933 | 117 |
| 1934 | 116 |
| 1935 | 121 |
| 1936 | 101 |
| 1937 | 73 |
| 1938 | 99 |
| 1939 | 73 |
| 1940 | 85 |
| 1941 | 72 |
| 1942 | 62 |
| 1943 | 66 |
| 1944 | 47 |
| 1945 | 52 |
| 1946 | 42 |
| 1947 | 32 |
| 1948 | 24 |
| 1949 | 27 |
| 1950 | 28 |
| 1951 | 30 |
| 1952 | 25 |
| 1953 | 19 |
| 1954 | 22 |
| 1955 | 30 |
| 1956 | 22 |
| 1957 | 27 |
| 1958 | 20 |
| 1959 | 14 |
| 1960 | 21 |
| 1961 | 13 |
| 1962 | 16 |
| 1963 | 10 |
| 1964 | 12 |
| 1965 | 13 |
| 1966 | 12 |
| 1967 | 12 |
| 1968 | 11 |
| 1969 | 12 |
| 1970 | 5 |
| 1972 | 7 |
| 1973 | 7 |
| 1975 | 5 |
| 1981 | 5 |
| 1983 | 6 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1989 | 6 |