Doris is a name of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek word "doron," which means "gift." It was traditionally used as a masculine name in ancient Greece, but it has since evolved into a feminine name.
The name Doris first gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th century. In 1880, it was estimated that there were around 4,000 women named Doris living in the US. However, its peak of popularity came during the early to mid-20th century. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Doris was among the top 100 names for girls born in the US between 1900 and 1960.
One notable figure who contributed to the name's rise in popularity is actress Doris Day. Born as Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff in 1922, she became a popular singer and film star during the mid-20th century. Her success helped to bring attention to the name Doris and may have influenced parents' decisions when naming their daughters.
Over time, the name Doris has been used by various notable individuals across different fields, including literature, politics, and entertainment. For instance, Doris Lessing was a British writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007, while Doris Fisher is an American businesswoman and co-founder of Gap Inc.
Today, while not as commonly used as it once was, the name Doris still holds historical significance and continues to be chosen by some parents for their daughters. It remains a classic and timeless option that evokes a sense of elegance and sophistication.
The name Doris appears to have seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a marked increase starting around the late 1800s and peaking in the early 1900s. The highest number of births recorded was in 1922 with 13798 babies named Doris. However, since the mid-20th century, there has been a consistent decline in its popularity, reaching an all-time low in recent years with fewer than 100 births per year from 2005 onwards.