Doris is a name of Greek origin that means "gift of the sea". It was traditionally given to girls born near the coast or with family ties to the sea. The name has been popular in English-speaking countries since the late 19th century, although it peaked in popularity during the early 20th century. Some notable figures who have borne this name include Doris Day, an American actress and singer, and Doris Lessing, a British writer and Nobel laureate. Despite its historical popularity, however, the name Doris has become less common in recent years, perhaps due to its association with older generations. Nevertheless, it remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking for a name with a classic yet distinctive sound.
The name Doris experienced significant popularity from the late 19th to early-mid 20th centuries, with peak years including 1915 (49 births), 1917-1918 (64 births each year), and 1920 (86 births). However, its usage steadily declined thereafter, with fewer than ten births per year recorded from the late 1930s onwards. Since the 1960s, the name Doris has become quite rare, with single-digit birth numbers in most years and even some years with no recorded births at all. Overall, there were a total of 3241 births registered as Doris between 1892 and 1989.