Doretha is a unique and distinctive name of American origin. It is a variant spelling of the Hebrew name Dorothea, which means "gift of God." The name has been in use since medieval times and was popular among European royalty. In the United States, Doretha gained popularity during the early to mid-20th century but has since become less common. Despite its rarity today, Doretha remains a beautiful and meaningful name with deep historical roots.
The name Doretha has a fascinating history when it comes to its usage in the United States. According to annual birth statistics, the name first appeared with 6 occurrences each year from 1896 to 1904, indicating that it was already being used during this period.
However, it wasn't until 1905 that we start seeing a significant increase in the number of girls named Doretha, with 16 births recorded that year. This trend continued throughout the early 20th century, reaching its peak in 1924 with 159 births.
The popularity of the name Doretha remained relatively stable throughout the 1920s and 1930s, fluctuating between approximately 100 to 170 births per year. It continued to be a popular choice among parents until the late 1940s, with around 150 to 180 births each year during this period.
Interestingly, the name Doretha started to decline in popularity during the early 1950s, with only about 130 to 160 births recorded annually. This downward trend continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s, reaching a low point of just 5 births in 1992.
In recent years, there has been an even further decrease in the number of girls named Doretha in the United States, with only 9 births recorded in 1998. This significant drop in popularity can be attributed to changing trends and tastes in baby naming over time.
Overall, while the name Doretha may not be as popular today as it once was during its heyday in the early 20th century, its historical significance lies in its consistent usage throughout most of the 1900s. It remains an intriguing choice for parents looking to give their daughter a unique and vintage-inspired name with a rich history behind it.