Dorothea, derived from Greek origins, means 'gift of God'. This name has been predominantly used in Germanic and English-speaking cultures throughout history. It gained prominence during the Middle Ages, often appearing in medieval literature and folklore. In some cases, Dorothea is associated with a popular saint of the same name, venerated by Catholics for her devotion to charitable works.
The name Dorothea experienced varied popularity over the years, with a significant increase in usage starting from 1908 and peaking between 1913 to 1922, with an average of around 20 births per year during this period. The highest number of births recorded was 28 in 1917. After World War II, its popularity gradually declined, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1946 onwards.