Dorris is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname Doris, which was originally a pet form of the Latin name Dorothy. The name Dorothy itself comes from the Greek elements doron, meaning "gift," and therasia, signifying "of the sea." Thus, the combined meaning of Dorris is "sea gift."
The name Dorris gained popularity during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries in the United States. It was often used as a feminine given name but has also been recorded as a masculine name occasionally. Despite its rarity today, Dorris once enjoyed moderate success among parents seeking distinctive names for their children.
Some notable figures with the name Dorris include American poet and author Dorris Lessing (1919-2013), who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007, and Canadian painter Doris McCarthy (1910-2000), known for her vibrant landscapes. These individuals demonstrate that although uncommon today, the name Dorris has been carried by accomplished and notable figures throughout history.
In summary, Dorris is an American name of Latin origin with a unique meaning derived from its roots in Greek elements. While not widely used currently, it was once popular among parents looking for distinctive names for their children. Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried this name, contributing to its enduring legacy.
The name Dorris experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak in usage between 1909 and 1924. During this period, it was among the top 100 names for newborn girls, reaching its zenith in 1915 when there were 143 births recorded. However, by the late 1960s, the name's popularity had waned considerably, with fewer than 20 births per year occurring between 1967 and 1989. Since then, it has remained relatively uncommon, with annual birth totals typically ranging from five to ten. Overall, there have been a total of 7360 recorded births with the name Dorris since 1888.