Dorothy: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: In literature and film, Dorothy often symbolizes hope, perseverance, and the everyman hero who overcomes obstacles, as seen in “The Wizard of Oz”

Dorothy Overview

Meaning

Gift of God

Gender

Girl

Origin

Greek

Etymology

Originated from the Greek name Dorothea, meaning “gift of God.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈdɔrəθi/

Popularity

Dorothy remains a classic name, especially favored in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the USA, Dorothy ranked 466th for girls in 2023

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

6 (Nurturing, Responsible, Balanced)

Name Styles

Vintage, Classic, Religious and Spiritual

Associated Traits

Elegant, timeless, nurturing, wise

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

The name Dorothy is often associated with Saint Dorothy, a 4th-century martyr, and is celebrated for its spiritual connotation of divine gift.

Name Day

February 6th (Hungary), December 3rd

Dorothy Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Dorothea, Dora, Dorothy-Anne, Dorotha, Dorotea

Common Nicknames

Dot, Dottie, Dolly, Dotty, Dory

Diminutives

Doe, Dodo, Thea

Famous People

Dorothy Parker
(American Writer)
Dorothy Dandridge
(American Actress)
Dorothy Hamill
(American Figure Skater)
Dorothy Hodgkin
(British Chemist)
Dorothy Height
(American Civil Rights Leader)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Dorothy Gale
("The Wizard of Oz," Film)
"Dorothy Must Die"
(Novel)
Dorothy Boyd
("Jerry Maguire," Film)
Dorothy Zbornak
("The Golden Girls," TV Series)
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"
(Novel)

Places

Dorothy City
(Alberta, Canada)
Dorothy Lake
(Manitoba, Canada)
Dorothy Falls
(West Coast, New Zealand)
Dorothy Molter Museum
(Minnesota, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Dorothy?

Dorothy means “gift of God.” People named Dorothy are known for their generosity and warm-hearted nature, spreading kindness wherever they go.

What Is the Origin of The Name Dorothy?

Dorothy is derived from the Greek name Dorothea, which combines “doron” meaning “gift” and “theos” meaning “God.” The name was popularized in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages and has maintained its classic appeal through the centuries.

Dorothy Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Dorothy in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#4812021	#4872022	#4662023
Top 3 Rankings	#21920	#21921	#21922

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Dorothy

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	466 (+21 from 2022)	658 (+14 from 2022)	0.03762
2022	487 (-6 from 2021)	644 (-5 from 2021)	0.03592
2021	481 (+54 from 2020)	649 (+86 from 2020)	0.03623
2020	535 (+27 from 2019)	563 (+18 from 2019)	0.03185
2019	562 (+20 from 2018)	545 (+18 from 2018)	0.02970
2018	582 (+7 from 2017)	527 (+20 from 2017)	0.02834
2017	589 (+55 from 2016)	507 (+52 from 2016)	0.02684
2016	644 (+70 from 2015)	455 (+57 from 2015)	0.02350
2015	714 (+11 from 2014)	398 (+13 from 2014)	0.02040
2014	725 (+81 from 2013)	385 (+50 from 2013)	0.01968
2013	806 (+115 from 2012)	335 (+56 from 2012)	0.01738
2012	921 (+7 from 2011)	279 (+1 from 2011)	0.01439
2011	928 (+99 from 2010)	278 (+35 from 2010)	0.01435
2010	1027 (+89 from 2009)	243 (+16 from 2009)	0.01239
2009	1116 (-46 from 2008)	227 (-17 from 2008)	0.01121
2008	1070 (-67 from 2007)	244 (-19 from 2007)	0.01171
2007	1003 (-27 from 2006)	263 (-4 from 2006)	0.01243
2006	976 (+49 from 2005)	267 (+30 from 2005)	0.01277
2005	1025 (-177 from 2004)	237 (-53 from 2004)	0.01168
2004	848 (-13 from 2003)	290 (-2 from 2003)	0.01437
2003	835 (+32 from 2002)	292 (+28 from 2002)	0.01455
2002	867 (-117 from 2001)	264 (-55 from 2001)	0.01337
2001	750 (-14 from 2000)	319 (+5 from 2000)	0.01610
2000	736 (-58 from 1999)	314 (-21 from 1999)	0.01573
1999	678 (+32 from 1998)	335 (+23 from 1998)	0.01721
1998	710 (-28 from 1997)	312 (-4 from 1997)	0.01609
1997	682 (-42 from 1996)	316 (-34 from 1996)	0.01655
1996	640 (-43 from 1995)	350 (-27 from 1995)	0.01826
1995	597 (-48 from 1994)	377 (-65 from 1994)	0.01962
1994	549 (-34 from 1993)	442 (-34 from 1993)	0.02267
1993	515 (-29 from 1992)	476 (-33 from 1992)	0.02414
1992	486 No change from 1991	509 (+12 from 1991)	0.02539
1991	486 (-60 from 1990)	497 (-99 from 1990)	0.02444
1990	426 (-28 from 1989)	596 (-24 from 1989)	0.02901
1989	398 (-2 from 1988)	620 (+12 from 1988)	0.03112
1988	396 (-15 from 1987)	608 (-6 from 1987)	0.03162
1987	381 (-8 from 1986)	614 (-15 from 1986)	0.03276
1986	373 (-41 from 1985)	629 (-90 from 1985)	0.03408
1985	332 (+8 from 1984)	719 (+38 from 1984)	0.03894
1984	340 (-35 from 1983)	681 (-78 from 1983)	0.03776
1983	305 (-7 from 1982)	759 (-70 from 1982)	0.04241
1982	298 (+9 from 1981)	829 (+41 from 1981)	0.04569
1981	307 (-29 from 1980)	788 (-108 from 1980)	0.04406
1980	278 (-6 from 1979)	896 (+6 from 1979)	0.05032
1979	272 (-12 from 1978)	890 (-24 from 1978)	0.05165
1978	260 (+9 from 1977)	914 (-19 from 1977)	0.05560
1977	269 (-29 from 1976)	933 (-49 from 1976)	0.05672
1976	240 (+10 from 1975)	982 (+6 from 1975)	0.06247
1975	250 (-18 from 1974)	976 (-122 from 1974)	0.06253
1974	232 (-17 from 1973)	1098 (-77 from 1973)	0.07010
1973	215 (+3 from 1972)	1175 (-98 from 1972)	0.07561
1972	218 (-27 from 1971)	1273 (-350 from 1971)	0.07894
1971	191 (-11 from 1970)	1623 (-176 from 1970)	0.09261
1970	180 (+1 from 1969)	1799 (+23 from 1969)	0.09821
1969	181 (-24 from 1968)	1776 (-310 from 1968)	0.10075
1968	157 (-9 from 1967)	2086 (-228 from 1967)	0.12201
1967	148 (-12 from 1966)	2314 (-350 from 1966)	0.13478
1966	136 (-6 from 1965)	2664 (-297 from 1965)	0.15173
1965	130 (-12 from 1964)	2961 (-572 from 1964)	0.16203
1964	118 (-2 from 1963)	3533 (-263 from 1963)	0.18050
1963	116 (-5 from 1962)	3796 (-276 from 1962)	0.19094
1962	111 (-12 from 1961)	4072 (-659 from 1961)	0.20090
1961	99 (-4 from 1960)	4731 (-344 from 1960)	0.22776
1960	95 (-1 from 1959)	5075 (-156 from 1959)	0.24402
1959	94 (-8 from 1958)	5231 (-308 from 1958)	0.25166
1958	86 (-12 from 1957)	5539 (-866 from 1957)	0.26813
1957	74 (-2 from 1956)	6405 (-454 from 1956)	0.30527
1956	72 (-8 from 1955)	6859 (-381 from 1955)	0.33304
1955	64 (-9 from 1954)	7240 (-550 from 1954)	0.36112
1954	55 (-6 from 1953)	7790 (-372 from 1953)	0.39129
1953	49 (-3 from 1952)	8162 (-447 from 1952)	0.42301
1952	46 (-4 from 1951)	8609 (-480 from 1951)	0.45263
1951	42 (-7 from 1950)	9089 (-463 from 1950)	0.49202
1950	35 (-3 from 1949)	9552 (-857 from 1949)	0.54318
1949	32 (-3 from 1948)	10409 (-911 from 1948)	0.59293
1948	29 (-3 from 1947)	11320 (-1433 from 1947)	0.64957
1947	26 (-3 from 1946)	12753 (-44 from 1946)	0.70153
1946	23 (-2 from 1945)	12797 (+473 from 1945)	0.79341
1945	21 (-2 from 1944)	12324 (-1057 from 1944)	0.91553
1944	19 No change from 1943	13381 (-1412 from 1943)	0.97920
1943	19 (-2 from 1942)	14793 (-242 from 1942)	1.03058
1942	17 (-3 from 1941)	15035 (+469 from 1941)	1.08129
1941	14 (-2 from 1940)	14566 (-310 from 1940)	1.16903
1940	12 (-3 from 1939)	14876 (-294 from 1939)	1.25924
1939	9 (-1 from 1938)	15170 (-1185 from 1938)	1.33766
1938	8 No change from 1937	16355 (-216 from 1937)	1.43283
1937	8 (-2 from 1936)	16571 (-1097 from 1936)	1.50393
1936	6 No change from 1935	17668 (-1736 from 1935)	1.63964
1935	6 (-1 from 1934)	19404 (-1878 from 1934)	1.78548
1934	5 (-1 from 1933)	21282 (-770 from 1933)	1.96629
1933	4 No change from 1932	22052 (-2924 from 1932)	2.10814
1932	4 (-1 from 1931)	24976 (-1549 from 1931)	2.25762
1931	3 No change from 1930	26525 (-3885 from 1930)	2.40324
1930	3 No change from 1929	30410 (-1066 from 1929)	2.60704
1929	3 No change from 1928	31476 (-2256 from 1928)	2.71919
1928	3 (-1 from 1927)	33732 (-2262 from 1927)	2.82151
1927	2 No change from 1926	35994 (-624 from 1926)	2.91110
1926	2 No change from 1925	36618 (-1952 from 1925)	2.97665
1925	2 No change from 1924	38570 (-1426 from 1924)	3.05365
1924	2 No change from 1923	39996 (+953 from 1923)	3.08689
1923	2 No change from 1922	39043 (+1328 from 1922)	3.11730
1922	2 No change from 1921	37715 (-1372 from 1921)	3.02306
1921	2 No change from 1920	39087 (+2444 from 1920)	3.05434
1920	2 (+1 from 1919)	36643 (+4909 from 1919)	2.94550
1919	3 No change from 1918	31734 (-296 from 1918)	2.70160
1918	3 No change from 1917	32030 (+3178 from 1917)	2.66394
1917	3 No change from 1916	28852 (+1434 from 1916)	2.56761
1916	3 No change from 1915	27418 (+2264 from 1915)	2.52534
1915	3 No change from 1914	25154 (+6372 from 1914)	2.45678
1914	3 No change from 1913	18782 (+4108 from 1913)	2.35769
1913	3 No change from 1912	14674 (+2029 from 1912)	2.24060
1912	3 (+1 from 1911)	12645 (+3776 from 1911)	2.15522
1911	4 No change from 1910	8869 (+1551 from 1910)	2.00739
1910	4 (+1 from 1909)	7318 (+1065 from 1909)	1.74435
1909	5 (+1 from 1908)	6253 (+550 from 1908)	1.69875
1908	6 No change from 1907	5703 (+736 from 1907)	1.60861
1907	6 No change from 1906	4967 (+641 from 1906)	1.47200
1906	6 (+1 from 1905)	4326 (+389 from 1905)	1.38019
1905	7 (+3 from 1904)	3937 (+460 from 1904)	1.27056
1904	10 (+1 from 1903)	3477 (+399 from 1903)	1.18898
1903	11 (+4 from 1902)	3078 (+371 from 1902)	1.10641
1902	15 (+7 from 1901)	2707 (+534 from 1901)	0.96565
1901	22 (+5 from 1900)	2173 (-318 from 1900)	0.85474
1900	27 (+8 from 1899)	2491 (+804 from 1899)	0.78398
1899	35 (+8 from 1898)	1687 (+16 from 1898)	0.68165
1898	43 No change from 1897	1671 (+199 from 1897)	0.60953
1897	43 (+3 from 1896)	1472 (+106 from 1896)	0.59289
1896	46 (+11 from 1895)	1366 (+239 from 1895)	0.54208
1895	57 (+1 from 1894)	1127 (+75 from 1894)	0.45608
1894	58 (+10 from 1893)	1052 (+231 from 1893)	0.44582
1893	68 (+11 from 1892)	821 (+195 from 1892)	0.36451
1892	79 (-3 from 1891)	626 (+60 from 1891)	0.27833
1891	76 (+17 from 1890)	566 (+108 from 1890)	0.28794
1890	93 (+9 from 1889)	458 (+81 from 1889)	0.22711
1889	102 (+1 from 1888)	377 (+4 from 1888)	0.19924
1888	103 (+8 from 1887)	373 (+101 from 1887)	0.19689
1887	111 (+11 from 1886)	272 (+42 from 1886)	0.17501
1886	122 (+6 from 1885)	230 (+34 from 1885)	0.14961
1885	128 (+9 from 1884)	196 (+33 from 1884)	0.13808
1884	137 No change from 1883	163 (+22 from 1883)	0.11847
1883	137 (+13 from 1882)	141 (+26 from 1882)	0.11744
1882	150 (-6 from 1881)	115 (+6 from 1881)	0.09940
1881	144 (-5 from 1880)	109 (-3 from 1880)	0.11026
1880	139 First SSA data recorded	112 First SSA data recorded	0.11475

American States Popularity Rankings for Dorothy

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Pennsylvania (PA)

#4172021

#3792022

#5292023

New York (NY)

#7132021

#6092022

#7552023

Illinois (IL)

#3922021

#4052022

#3602023

Texas (TX)

#6322021

#6832022

#7472023

Ohio (OH)

#3832021

#4292022

#5092023

Michigan (MI)

#5942021

#3432022

#3742023

Massachusetts (MA)

#2802021

#4222022

#4362023

California (CA)

#6752021

#6762022

#6512023

New Jersey (NJ)

#8752021

#8822022

#7612023

North Carolina (NC)

#4722021

#3952022

#3532023

Missouri (MO)

#3572021

#4182022

#2212023

Georgia (GA)

#5702021

#4242022

#4132023

Alabama (AL)

#3462021

#4922022

#4182023

Tennessee (TN)

#3272021

#3712022

#4522023

Virginia (VA)

#3612021

#3952022

#4792023

Mississippi (MS)

#5072018

#4262022

#5662023

Kentucky (KY)

#3972021

#3962022

#5922023

Indiana (IN)

#2732021

#3882022

#2382023

Wisconsin (WI)

#2702021

#2692022

#2602023

Louisiana (LA)

#7632020

#8902021

#3472023

South Carolina (SC)

#4042021

#4422022

#4072023

Iowa (IA)

#2742021

#3572022

#2592023

Minnesota (MN)

#2042021

#5222022

#2732023

Maryland (MD)

#6602021

#4402022

#5692023

Florida (FL)

#6872021

#6892022

#6202023

Arkansas (AR)

#5692018

#5002020

#4452021

Oklahoma (OK)

#4412020

#4942021

#4952022

Kansas (KS)

#6062021

#3532022

#4502023

West Virginia (WV)

#2931994

#2961997

#3312018

Connecticut (CT)

#5432020

#5672021

#5582023

Nebraska (NE)

#4272020

#3712021

#3702022

Washington (WA)

#3532021

#3062022

#2962023

Colorado (CO)

#4032021

#4152022

#4052023

Oregon (OR)

#3622021

#4232022

#5582023

Maine (ME)

#2352016

#1792020

#2112023

Rhode Island (RI)

#1921973

#1821978

#2092021

South Dakota (SD)

#2011971

#1511972

#1771974

District of Columbia (DC)

#2622014

#1562017

#1882022

North Dakota (ND)

#2061962

#1911964

#1651965

Montana (MT)

#2101968

#1601970

#2022023

Utah (UT)

#4732021

#2432022

#3542023

Idaho (ID)

#2902019

#3992022

#2932023

New Hampshire (NH)

#2272021

#1502022

#2422023

Arizona (AZ)

#6432021

#11042022

#4082023

New Mexico (NM)

#2921981

#4011982

#3081984

Delaware (DE)

#1251982

#1511988

#1712023

Vermont (VT)

#1411967

#1551970

#1181983

Hawaii (HI)

#2081977

#1701978

#2911979

Wyoming (WY)

#1341964

#1381970

#822022

Nevada (NV)

#6012009

#4712019

#4482020

Alaska (AK)

#1801981

#1611982

#1422017

Popularity Rankings for Dorothy in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW)

#831954

#811955

#861956

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#1872019

#1752020

#1772021

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

#4342018

#4182022

#3022023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand

#3161991

#4022020

#4412022

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland

#3591986

#4081987

#4852021

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#4282020

#4812021

#4942022

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#5022019

#8342020

#4952023

Popularity in Poland

Poland

#5162013

#7112016

#6032019

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#9141998

#7742000

#9932008

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Dorothy a Name for Boys or Girls?

The name Dorothy is commonly used for girls. It has been favored for its classic and endearing qualities, often found in literature and popular culture.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Dorothy

Dorothea
Dora
Dorothy-Anne
Dorotha
Dorotea

Dot
Dottie
Dolly
Dotty
Dory

Doe
Dodo
Meaning: Goddess, godly
Origin: GreekThea

Dorothy in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Dorothy Parker (Writer, 1893-1967): An American writer and poet known for her sharp wit and satirical humor.
Dorothy Dandridge (Actress, 1922-1965): The first African American actress nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Dorothy Hamill (Figure Skater, born 1956): An American figure skater who won the gold medal at the 1976 Winter Olympics.
Dorothy Hodgkin (Chemist, 1910-1994): A British chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964.
Dorothy Height (Civil Rights Leader, 1912-2010): An American civil rights and women's rights activist.
Dorothy Day (Journalist, 1897-1980): An American journalist and social activist, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement.
Dorothy Malone (Actress, 1924-2018): An American actress who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Dorothy Gale ("The Wizard of Oz," 1939 Film): A young girl from Kansas who is transported to the magical land of Oz.
"Dorothy Must Die" (2014 Novel): A young adult novel that reimagines the story of Dorothy Gale with a dark twist.
Dorothy Boyd ("Jerry Maguire," 1996 Film): A single mother who falls in love with a sports agent.
Dorothy Zbornak ("The Golden Girls," 1985 TV Series): A sarcastic and witty character who lives with three other older women in Miami.
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (1900 Novel): The classic children's book that introduced the character of Dorothy Gale.
Dorothy Ann Hudson ("The Magic School Bus," 1994 TV Series): A smart and curious student who loves science and adventure.

Dorothy City (Alberta, Canada): A small hamlet in the Canadian province of Alberta, situated within the badlands of the Red Deer River.
Dorothy Lake (Manitoba, Canada): A scenic lake located within Whiteshell Provincial Park, popular for its natural beauty and recreational activities.
Dorothy Falls (West Coast, New Zealand): A picturesque waterfall located in the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve, surrounded by lush forest.
Dorothy Molter Museum (Minnesota, USA): A museum dedicated to Dorothy Molter, the "Root Beer Lady," located in Ely.
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (California, USA): A major performing arts venue located in downtown Los Angeles, part of the Los Angeles Music Center.
Dorothy Clive Garden (Shropshire, England): A beautiful garden in the English countryside, known for its wide variety of plants and flowers.

Darla
Deborah
Dorinda
Meaning: Of the Doros, descendant of Dorus, child of the sea, gift
Origin: GreekDorian
Delores

Sibling Names for Dorothy

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Dorothy Also Like

What’s your take on Dorothy? I hope you enjoyed learning about this timeless and charming name. Thanks for hanging out with me, and I look forward to sharing more baby name inspirations with you next time!

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Dorothy Name Meaning