All about the name

Darothy

Female

« Dorothy is an English name derived from the Greek 'Dorothea', composed of 'doron' (gift) and 'theos' (god), thus signifying "gift of God". »

#31134 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Dorothy is a name of English origin, derived from the German name "Dorotheus," which itself comes from the Greek name "Dorothea." The Greek name is composed of two elements: "doron," meaning "gift," and "theos," meaning "god." Thus, Dorothy means "gift of God." The name Dorothy has a rich history that spans centuries. In the 4th century, Saint Dorothea was a Christian martyr who refused to marry a pagan governor. As a result, she was put to death. Her story became popular in medieval Europe, and her feast day is celebrated on February 6th. In literature, Dorothy is perhaps best known as the protagonist of L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." In this classic children's novel published in 1900, Dorothy Gale is a young girl from Kansas who finds herself transported to the magical Land of Oz after her house is carried away by a tornado. Over time, the name Dorothy has been used widely throughout English-speaking countries. It was particularly popular during the early and mid-20th century. Today, while it may not be as common as it once was, Dorothy remains a beloved and classic name choice for parents looking to honor their child with a name of strong historical significance. In terms of popularity, according to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Dorothy reached its peak in popularity during the 1920s when it ranked among the top 5 names for girls. However, by the late 20th century, its usage had significantly decreased, ranking at number 876 in 2009. Despite its decline in popularity, the name Dorothy remains timeless and continues to be associated with kindness, courage, and determination thanks in part to Baum's beloved character. It is a name that carries a sense of history and tradition, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a name with deep roots and strong meaning.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Darothy since 1880

Total births
66
Total since 1880
Peak year
1922
7 births
in 1945
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years