Dorothy
Dorothy is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Gift of God”, pronounced DOR-uh-thee. It ranked #421 in the United States in 2025, given to 743 babies, and peaked at #2 in 1920. Common nicknames: Dot, Dottie, Dory.
How popular is Dorothy in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Dorothy mean, and where does it come from?
Dorothy comes from the Greek "doron" (gift) and "theos" (God), meaning "gift of God" — the same elements as Theodora, simply reversed. A hugely popular name in the early twentieth century, it is forever linked to Dorothy Gale, the ruby-slippered heroine of The Wizard of Oz, and to the sharp-witted writer Dorothy Parker. After decades of rest, Dorothy is riding the vintage-revival wave back into fashion, bringing the charming nicknames Dot and Dottie with it. It sits gracefully among names like Eleanor, Florence, and Edith. Wholesome, witty, and warmly nostalgic, Dorothy feels ready for a comeback.
How is Dorothy used around the world?
Dorothy is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants. From the Greek "doron" (gift) and "theos" (God) — "gift of God.".
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Dorothy?
Famous People Named Dorothy
- Dorothy Gale — heroine of The Wizard of Oz
- Dorothy Parker — American writer and wit
- Dorothy Hodgkin — Nobel Prize-winning chemist
Similar Names to Dorothy
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Sibling Name Ideas for Dorothy
Looking for names that pair well with Dorothy? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Dorothy mean?
Dorothy is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Gift of God." Dorothy comes from the Greek "doron" (gift) and "theos" (God), meaning "gift of God" — the same elements as Theodora, simply reversed. A hugely popular name in the early twentieth century, it is forever linked to Dorothy Gale, the ruby-slippered heroine of The Wizard of Oz, and to the sharp-witted writer Dorothy Parker.
How do you pronounce Dorothy?
Dorothy is pronounced DOR-uh-thee. Common variations include Dorothea, Dorthy.
Is Dorothy a girl name?
Yes, Dorothy is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Dot, Dottie, Dory.