Dora is a feminine given name of Spanish origin. It comes from the word "dorada," which means "golden" in Spanish. The name has been popular throughout Spain and Latin America for centuries, often used to celebrate a child's birth during harvest time or as an expression of gratitude towards a gold-colored sky.
The name Dora was first introduced to wider audiences through the character of Dorothea in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield," published in 1849. Although she appears only briefly, her role as David's aunt who provides him with kindness and warmth has helped shape the public perception of the name Dora.
Over time, variations of the name have emerged, such as Dorea, Dorina, and even Dorothee (a more formal French version). Despite these alternatives, Dora remains a classic choice for parents looking to honor their child's Hispanic heritage or simply give them a strong, distinctive name with historical roots.
The name Dora has a rich history of usage in the United States, with a total of 550 births recorded over the years. The name first appeared in the records in 1880, with six babies being named Dora that year.
In the following decades, the popularity of the name fluctuated. It reached its peak in the early 20th century, with 17 births in 1926 and 15 births in both 1927 and 1928. This suggests that during this time period, Dora was a popular choice for parents.
Interestingly, after World War II, there was a resurgence of the name Dora. Between 1946 and 1953, there were six births each year, indicating that the name remained relevant even as other names came into fashion.
However, by the late 1960s and early 1970s, the usage of the name Dora started to decline again. Between 1967 and 1984, there were only seven births recorded each year on average. This could indicate a shift in popular naming trends or simply that parents had moved on from choosing the name Dora for their daughters.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Dora still holds historical significance in the United States. With over five hundred babies named Dora since 1880, it's clear that many families have chosen this name for their daughters throughout history.