Dorothy, derived from the Old German elements 'þór' meaning 'Thor', the god of thunder, and 'rýðo' meaning 'fame', is a classic name with a rich history. It gained significant popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, particularly after L. Frank Baum's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' was published in 1900, featuring Dorothy Gale as the protagonist. The name has since been associated with courage and adventurous spirit, reflecting its bearer's journey down the yellow brick road.
"Only six babies were named Dorothy in 1917."