Dorotha is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "doron," which means "gift." Therefore, the name Dorotha signifies "gift" and is often associated with the concept of grace or beauty.
The name Dorotha has a rich history, dating back to ancient Greece where it was used as a female given name. In medieval times, the name gained popularity in Europe through the spread of Christianity. However, it remained relatively uncommon compared to other names from the same era.
Dorotha is also found in the New Testament of the Bible, where it is mentioned as one of the seven daughters of Philip, who was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. This biblical connection has contributed to the name's enduring popularity among Christians throughout history.
In more modern times, the name Dorotha has been used by notable individuals such as Dorothea Lynde Dix (1802-1887), an American social reformer and mental health advocate, and Dorothea von Runstedt (1893-1956), a German field marshal during World War II.
Today, the name Dorotha is still used, particularly in countries with Greek influences or strong Christian traditions. Despite its lesser-known status compared to other names, Dorotha continues to hold historical and cultural significance as an elegant and meaningful feminine given name.
The name Dorotha experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1890s to the early 1920s, with over 200 births recorded annually between 1903 and 1926. However, its usage began to decline after the mid-1920s, dropping below 50 births per year by the late 1940s. By the 1960s, Dorotha was barely used as a baby name in the U.S., with only a handful of occurrences each year.