Dorothy is a classic English girl's name with a rich history and meaning. It originated from the German word "Dorothea," which means "gift of God." The name was brought to England by the Normans during their conquest in the 11th century.
In medieval times, Dorothy was quite popular among the nobility due to its religious connotations. It was often given to girls who were believed to be blessed or favored by God. Many early saints and martyrs bore this name, further cementing its significance in Christian culture.
The name Dorothy became particularly prominent during the Victorian era when it gained popularity as a literary character's name. In Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield," one of the main characters is named Dorothea 'Dora' Spenlow. This character helped to popularize the name among common people and contributed to its widespread use in the 19th century.
In America, Dorothy achieved further fame through L. Frank Baum's beloved children's book series, "The Oz Books," published between 1900 and 1920. The protagonist of these stories is a young girl named Dorothy Gale from Kansas who has magical adventures in the fantastical Land of Oz. This iconic character has made the name Dorothy even more recognizable worldwide.
Today, Dorothy remains a timeless classic that carries with it a sense of history and tradition. While it may not be as commonly used as it once was, this elegant and meaningful name continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its rich heritage and unique charm.
The name Dorothy has a rich history and popularity in the United States, as evidenced by these statistics from 1880 to 2023.
In the late 19th century, the name Dorothy started with humble beginnings. In 1880, only 112 babies were named Dorothy, and this number remained relatively low throughout the early 1880s. However, by 1886, there was a significant increase in popularity, with 230 births that year.
The name gained further traction in the late 1890s, reaching an all-time high of 2491 births in 1900. This trend continued into the early 20th century, with Dorothy consistently ranking among the top girl names in America. The peak of popularity was reached in the 1920s and 1930s, with over 8000 babies named Dorothy each year.
However, as with many historical names, Dorothy's popularity began to decline after World War II. By the late 1960s, fewer than 2000 girls were being named Dorothy annually. This downward trend continued throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the early 21st century.
Despite this decrease in overall popularity, Dorothy remains a beloved name with deep roots in American culture. It has been consistently used over the past 143 years, and its timeless appeal can be seen even today, as it continues to appear among new parents' choices. As of 2022, approximately 658 girls were named Dorothy, demonstrating that this classic name still holds value.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been 1,110,746 babies born in the United States who were named Dorothy. This remarkable figure underscores the enduring appeal and historical significance of this cherished name.