Dorris is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "þorr," which means "thunder." The name is believed to have been brought to England by the Anglo-Saxons, who were a Germanic tribe that settled in Britain around the 5th century AD.
The name Dorris was initially used as a nickname for men named Thor, who were often warriors or champions. Over time, however, it became more commonly used as a given name for both boys and girls. Today, it is most frequently seen as a female name, although its use remains relatively rare compared to other names.
One interesting aspect of the name Dorris is that it has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. For example, Dorris Lessing was a renowned British writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007. Additionally, Dorris Ownbey was an American actress who appeared in several Hollywood films during the 1930s and 1940s.
In summary, Dorris is an uncommon yet historically significant given name of English origin that means "thunder." While it has been used for both boys and girls throughout history, it is now most commonly seen as a female name. Despite its rarity, the name Dorris has been carried by several notable individuals throughout the years.
The name Dorris reached its peak popularity during the early 20th century, with a significant increase in births occurring between 1912 and 1922. However, its usage declined steadily thereafter, reaching its lowest point in the late 1940s to mid-1950s. From the 1960s onwards, the name has been used rarely, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded since then. In total, over a span of nearly eight decades, there were 1675 children named Dorris.