Dorothy is a classic English given name that has been popular for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the German name "Dorothea," which is composed of two elements: "dor" meaning "gift" and "theos" meaning "god." Therefore, Dorothy's meaning is derived from its roots as "gift of God."
The name Dorothy became widely known in English-speaking countries thanks to several historical figures. One notable example is Saint Dorothy, a 4th-century martyr whose legend was popularized by the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. Saint Dorothy was believed to have performed miracles and remained steadfast in her faith despite being tortured for refusing to renounce Christianity. Her memory is celebrated on February 6 in the liturgical calendar of some Christian denominations.
Another famous bearer of the name Dorothy was Dorothy York (1430-1502), also known as Lady Dorothy Clifford, who served as a lady-in-waiting to Margaret of Anjou, wife of King Henry VI. Dorothy York played an important role during the Wars of the Roses and became well-known for her loyalty and bravery in battle.
Throughout history, many prominent women have carried the name Dorothy, contributing to its enduring popularity among parents seeking classic yet distinctive names for their daughters. Today, it remains a beloved choice, with modern variations like Dotty or Dottie adding further appeal. Despite being over 1000 years old, the name Dorothy continues to evoke timeless elegance and strength of character.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Dorothy has had a significant presence among newborns in the United States from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. The name first appeared with notable frequency in the records between 1894 and 1909, with an average of around 20 births per year during this period.
However, it was during the years 1916 to 1930 that the name Dorothy truly reached its peak popularity. During these 15 years, there were more than 70 births each year, with a remarkable high of 153 births in 1930. This consistent and high number of births suggests that during this time, the name Dorothy was widely accepted and appreciated by parents across the country.
Interestingly, after reaching its peak popularity in the early 20th century, the use of the name Dorothy began to decline steadily over the following decades. Between 1931 and 1968, there were an average of around 15 births per year, with a low of only 5 births recorded in 1970.
Since then, the name has continued to be used, but at much lower frequencies than before. For instance, there were 7 births recorded in 1972 and 1973 respectively, 5 births each in 1975 and 1981, and only 6 births recorded in both 1983 and 1989.
In total, over the span of these records from 1894 to 1989, there were a total of 3677 babies named Dorothy at birth. This significant number reflects the enduring popularity of this name among American parents throughout much of the 20th century.