Dorothy

What does the baby name Dorothy mean? Learn about what Dorothy means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Dorothy - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Dorothy: D-O-R-O-T-H-Y, is a 7-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Dorothy: DAWR-thee; DOR a thee
Meaning of Dorothy: Gift of god, god's gift.
Origin of Dorothy: The name 'Dorothy' originates from the Greek name Dorothea, which means 'gift of God'. It can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was commonly used. The earliest known use of the name 'Dorothy' dates back to the 16th century in England, where it gained popularity among the aristocracy.; American Names; Celebrity Names; Classic Names; English Names; Greek Names; Literary Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Dorothy: Dody; Dolly; Doortje; Dorika; Dorinda; Dot; Dotty
Popularity of Dorothy: The popularity of the name 'Dorothy' has had its ups and downs over the centuries. It reached its peak in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s. During this time, it was one of the most popular names for baby girls in the United States. However, its popularity declined in the latter half of the 20th century, and it is now considered a less common name.; Dorothy currently has 243 likes, and is in the top 4% of liked girl's names. The name Zira is slightly more popular than Dorothy.

Etymology of Dorothy

The name 'Dorothy' has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the combination of the Greek words 'doron', meaning 'gift', and 'theos', meaning 'God'. This etymology reflects the original meaning of the name as 'gift of God. '

Cultural Significance of Dorothy

The name 'Dorothy' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In Christian traditions, it is associated with Saint 'Dorothy', a 4th-century martyr who refused to renounce her faith. She is often depicted as a symbol of courage and devotion. Additionally, the name 'Dorothy' gained further cultural significance through literature and film. One of the most famous literary characters named 'Dorothy' is 'Dorothy' Gale from L. Frank Baum 's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'. This beloved character has become an iconic figure in popular culture.