Dorothea is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek words "doron" meaning gift and "theos" meaning god. Thus, Dorothea translates to "gift of God". The name has been used since ancient times, with notable figures such as Saint Dorothea, a Christian martyr who was executed for her faith in the 4th century AD.
The name Dorothea gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly among the nobility. It was often chosen as a given name for daughters of royal families or wealthy landowners. Over time, the name has evolved and shortened to various forms such as Dorothy, which became particularly popular in English-speaking countries during the Victorian era.
In literature, Dorothea is the protagonist of George Eliot's novel "Middlemarch". In music, Dorothea Schuur is a renowned American guitarist and composer. These examples illustrate how the name Dorothea has been associated with intelligence, creativity, and accomplishment throughout history.
Today, Dorothea continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a unique yet timeless name for their daughter. Its meaning "gift of God" makes it a meaningful option, while its association with notable historical figures adds to its appeal. Overall, Dorothea is a name that combines elegance and sophistication with a rich history and profound meaning.
Between 1912 and 1979, the name Dorothey was given to a total of 1147 babies born in the United States. The popularity of the name varied from year to year, with some years seeing more than 40 births and others seeing fewer than 5.
The peak years for the name Dorothey were between 1922 and 1932, during which time there were consistently over 20 births each year. The highest number of births recorded in a single year was in 1922, with 40 babies named Dorothey.
After the 1930s, the popularity of the name began to decline, and by the 1950s and 1960s, there were fewer than 10 births each year. In fact, between 1958 and 1979, there were only five years with more than 5 births: 1960 (8 births), 1961 (9 births), 1962 (8 births), 1968 (5 births), and 1979 (5 births).
Despite the decline in popularity over time, it is clear that Dorothey was once a well-loved name for girls born in the United States during the early to mid-20th century.