Dorothy is a feminine given name of English origin. It means "gift from God" and is derived from the German name Dorothy, which was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century. The name Dorothy has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Dorothy Wordsworth, sister of the poet William Wordsworth, and Dorothy L. Sayers, a renowned author and detective novelist. Today, Dorothy remains a beloved name choice for parents seeking a classic yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Dorothy has seen a steady decline in popularity over the years, with only six babies named Dorothy in the United States in the year 1918 according to statistical records. This low number of births is reflective of the overall trend of traditional names falling out of favor compared to newer, more modern options. However, it's important to note that even though Dorothy may not be as popular today, it still holds significant historical value and has been the name of many notable figures throughout history.