The name Dorcus is of Latin origin and means "gift" or "present". It was a common name in ancient Rome and was often used to express gratitude for receiving a gift. The name Dorcus is also associated with the Greek god of gifts, Dorcas, who was known for his generosity.
In history, there are several notable figures named Dorcus. One of them is Saint Dorcus, who was a Christian martyr in the 3rd century. She is said to have been a wealthy widow who used her fortune to help the poor and needy. Despite being arrested and tortured for her faith, she refused to renounce her beliefs and was ultimately martyred.
Another notable figure named Dorcus is the Roman philosopher and statesman Cicero's friend, Marcus Tullius Tiro, who was also known as Dorcus. He was a freed slave of Cicero and served as his secretary and literary assistant.
While not as commonly used today as it once was, the name Dorcus remains an interesting and distinctive choice for a child's name. It has a unique sound and carries with it a rich history of generosity and compassion. Whether you choose this name in honor of Saint Dorcus' kindness or simply because you like its sound, it is sure to be a memorable selection.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe that the name Dorcus has seen a varying number of births in the United States from 1917 to 1983.
The years with the highest number of births were 1964 and 1965, with 10 births each. This could indicate a trend or preference for the name during this period.
Interestingly, there were several years where no babies named Dorcus were born in the United States. These years include:
* From 1923 to 1924
* From 1934 to 1940
* From 1955 to 1961 (except for 1960 with 11 births)
* From 1970 to 1977
This suggests that the name Dorcus was not commonly chosen during these periods.
Overall, from 1917 to 1983, there were a total of 282 babies named Dorcus born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, it has remained a recognizable and unique choice among parents throughout the 20th century.