All about the name

Dorris

Male

« Dorris is a rare but historical English given name meaning 'thunder', originally a nickname for men named Thor, now more common as a female name despite its unique origin. »

#3591 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Dorris since 1880

Total births
1,675
Total since 1880
Peak year
1922
58 births
in 1977
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years