Dorris is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin, predominantly used during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. It is considered a variant spelling of Doris, which is derived from the Greek word 'doron,' meaning 'gift.' Dorris was particularly popular in the United States during its peak usage years, with notable instances including Dorris Miller, an American jazz musician and composer known for his influential work in the hard bop genre. Today, while not as common as it once was, Dorris remains a name that evokes nostalgia for some and intrigue for others due to its unique sound and vintage charm.
The name Dorris reached its peak popularity during the early 20th century, with a significant increase in births occurring between 1912 and 1922. However, its usage declined steadily thereafter, reaching its lowest point in the late 1940s to mid-1950s. From the 1960s onwards, the name has been used rarely, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded since then. In total, over a span of nearly eight decades, there were 1675 children named Dorris.