Dorthea is a unique and distinctive female given name of German origin. It is composed of the elements "dor" meaning "gift" or "present," and "theo" which refers to God. Therefore, the name Dorthea translates to "God's gift." This name has a rich history and has been used throughout various cultures for centuries.
The earliest known use of the name Dorthea was in Germany during the Middle Ages. It was often given to girls who were considered blessed or fortunate by their parents. Over time, the name spread to other European countries such as England, where it became more common during the Victorian era.
Dorthea has also been used in literature and history throughout the centuries. For example, Dorthea Bickerton was a prominent English artist from the 18th century who was known for her portraits and landscapes. Additionally, Dorthea Dix was an American activist who campaigned tirelessly for improved treatment of mentally ill individuals during the mid-19th century.
While Dorthea is not as commonly used today as it once was, it remains a beautiful and meaningful name choice for parents looking for something unique and distinctive for their daughters. Its German origins give it a strong and powerful sound, while its meaning adds an extra layer of depth and significance to the name. Overall, Dorthea is a name with a rich history and a lovely meaning that makes it a great option for parents wanting something special for their baby girl.
The given statistics illustrate the fluctuation of popularity of the name Dorothy over several decades in the United States. Starting with a modest six births each year from 1905 to 1909, the name gained momentum, reaching an all-time high of 41 births in 1920 and peaking again at 58 births in 1924.
After this peak period, the popularity of the name Dorothy began a steady decline. Between 1926 and 1932, there were between 38 to 59 births each year. This trend continued until the mid-1930s when the number of annual births dropped below 40.
The period from the late 1930s to the early 1950s saw a gradual decrease in the popularity of the name Dorothy, with fewer than 36 births each year. This trend continued into the mid-1950s and early 1960s, with annual births ranging from 5 to 13.
By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the name Dorothy had fallen out of favor, with fewer than six births each year. Despite this decline in popularity, it's important to note that even at its lowest point, there were still some parents choosing this name for their daughters.
In total, over the span of these statistics, there were 1559 births named Dorothy in the United States. While the popularity of the name has waxed and waned over time, it remains a historic choice with deep roots in American culture.