Dorothy Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity
Dorothy is predominantly used for girls. The statistics below show this exact spelling in official U.S. records.
How Do You Spell Dorothy?
Dorothy is spelled D-O-R-O-T-H-Y. The name has 7 letters.
Dorothy at a Glance
- Usage
- Predominantly used for girls
- Meaning
- Dorothy means “gift of God.”
- Origin
- Dorothy is commonly associated with the Ancient Greek name Dorothea, derived from the Greek elements “doron” meaning gift, and “theos” meaning god.
- Pronunciation
- DOR-uh-thee · 3 syllables
Dorothy Popularity in 2025
Rank#421
Recorded Births743
- Girls usage rose 8 places to #421 and recorded 25 more births compared with 2024.
Figures reflect this exact spelling in the latest available U.S. Social Security Administration records. See the complete year-by-year trend.
What Does the Name Dorothy Mean?
Dorothy means “gift of God.”
Origin: Dorothy is commonly associated with the Ancient Greek name Dorothea, derived from the Greek elements “doron” meaning gift, and “theos” meaning god. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages.
How Do You Pronounce Dorothy?
PronunciationDOR-uh-thee
Syllables3
What Is the History of the Name Dorothy?
- History
- The use of Dorothy in English-speaking countries has been documented since at least the 14th century. The name appears in various literary works and cultural references, including the character Dorothy Gale in L. Frank Baum's early 20th-century novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
- Cultural notes
- In Western Christian traditions, the name Dorothy is associated with Saint Dorothy, a martyr who symbolizes faith and courage.
Dorothy Popularity by Year
The table below shows the most recent available records for this exact spelling from 2002 through 2025. Use the full history page to explore every recorded year.
| Year | Usage Category | Recorded Births | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Girls | 743 | #421 |
| 2024 | Girls | 718 | #429 |
| 2023 | Girls | 664 | #463 |
| 2022 | Girls | 645 | #486 |
| 2021 | Girls | 649 | #483 |
| 2020 | Girls | 565 | #535 |
| 2019 | Girls | 546 | #561 |
| 2018 | Girls | 530 | #580 |
| 2017 | Girls | 507 | #590 |
| 2016 | Girls | 456 | #644 |
| 2015 | Girls | 398 | #714 |
| 2014 | Girls | 385 | #727 |
| 2013 | Girls | 335 | #806 |
| 2012 | Girls | 279 | #922 |
| 2011 | Girls | 279 | #927 |
| 2010 | Girls | 243 | #1,027 |
| 2009 | Girls | 227 | #1,116 |
| 2008 | Girls | 244 | #1,070 |
| 2007 | Girls | 263 | #1,003 |
| 2006 | Girls | 267 | #976 |
| 2005 | Girls | 237 | #1,025 |
| 2004 | Girls | 290 | #848 |
| 2003 | Girls | 292 | #835 |
| 2002 | Girls | 264 | #867 |
When Was Dorothy Most Popular?
Peak years are based on the highest recorded birth totals for this exact spelling and usage category. They are ordered by birth count, not chronologically.
1924 · Girls
39,996 recorded births
National rank #2
1921 · Girls
39,087 recorded births
National rank #2
1923 · Girls
39,043 recorded births
National rank #2
1925 · Girls
38,570 recorded births
National rank #2
Where Dorothy Ranked Highest in 2025
State rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys within each state. The SSA omits state-level names recorded fewer than five times, so low visible counts can still represent a relatively high state rank.
Top States for Girls
| State | Rank | Recorded Births |
|---|---|---|
| AK | #112 | 6 |
| NH | #139 | 9 |
| MT | #144 | 7 |
| DE | #167 | 5 |
| MO | #208 | 29 |
| OR | #223 | 16 |
| IN | #234 | 30 |
| WA | #239 | 30 |