Dora is a feminine given name of Spanish origin and Latin roots. It is derived from the word "dorado," which means "gift" in Spanish. The name Dora is also associated with the Latin word "dorus," meaning "gift" or "present." In some cultures, it is believed that people named Dora are destined to receive many gifts throughout their lives.
The name Dora has been popular for centuries and has been used by various notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous Doras was Dora Maar (1907-1997), a French painter and photographer who was known for her surrealist works and her relationship with Pablo Picasso. Another notable Dora was Doraemon, a popular anime character created by Fujiko F. Fujio in 1969.
Despite its Spanish origins, the name Dora has been used throughout Europe and beyond. It is a simple yet elegant name that carries a positive meaning associated with gifts and generosity. The name Dora can also be shortened to the cute and friendly nickname "Dory," which adds to its appeal. Overall, Dora is a charming and meaningful name that has stood the test of time and continues to be loved by many today.
The name Dora has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century and a half, with the first recorded birth being in 1880. In that year, there were 524 births with the name Dora. This number increased steadily throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reaching a peak of 2026 births in 1921.
However, after this peak, the popularity of the name Dora began to decline. By the 1930s, the annual number of births with the name had dropped significantly, and it continued to decrease throughout much of the rest of the century. In fact, between 1976 and 1985, the number of babies named Dora each year was consistently below 300.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Dora has maintained a small but steady presence among baby names in the United States. Between 2000 and 2023, there have been an average of around 90 births per year with the name Dora, according to data from the Social Security Administration. Overall, since 1880, there have been a total of 105775 births with the name Dora in the United States.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Dora has fluctuated over time, it has remained a consistent choice for parents naming their daughters in the United States.