Dorthy is a feminine given name of English origin. It is a variant spelling of Dorothy, which means "gift of God" in Greek. The name is derived from the Middle English Dudich, which was brought to England by the Normans during the 11th century. Dudich is composed of the elements "doudi," meaning "people," and "c," meaning "gift." Thus, Dorthy and Dorothy both convey the same meaning: a gift bestowed upon humanity by God.
The name Dorothy gained popularity in the English-speaking world due to its association with several prominent figures throughout history. One notable example is Dorothy Wyatt, who was a lady-in-waiting to Elizabeth I of England during the 16th century. Additionally, Saint Dorothy, a Christian martyr from the 4th century, has contributed to the name's enduring appeal.
In literature and popular culture, Dorothy has been featured prominently in various works. Perhaps the most famous is L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (1900), in which the protagonist Dorothy Gale plays a central role. This classic tale has cemented the name's place in American folklore and popular consciousness.
Overall, Dorthy is a timeless and elegant name with deep roots in history and culture. Its meaning, "gift of God," imbues it with a sense of reverence and grace, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that combines tradition and sophistication.
The name Dorothy has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 15 births per year between 1885 and 1907.
However, starting in 1908, the popularity of the name began to increase dramatically. By 1915, there were over 200 births per year, and this trend continued throughout the 1910s and 1920s. The peak of Dorothy's popularity came in 1927, with 695 births that year.
After 1927, the number of babies named Dorothy began to decline. By the late 1930s, there were fewer than 400 births per year, and this trend continued into the 1940s and 1950s. The name remained relatively popular throughout the mid-20th century, but it never again reached the heights of popularity it had seen in the 1920s.
In recent decades, Dorothy has become quite rare as a baby name in the United States. Between 2000 and 2023, there were fewer than 50 births per year with the name Dorothy each year, with the exception of 2020 when there were 12 births.
Overall, the name Dorothy has seen considerable fluctuations in popularity over the past century in the United States. While it was a very popular choice for parents in the 1920s and early 1930s, its popularity has declined significantly since then, making it quite rare as a baby name today.