Dorothy as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Dorothy

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The baby name Dorothy is a Female name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced DOR-ə-thee (IPA: /ˈdɔrəθi/ or British /ˈdɒrəθi/).

Dorothy is Greek in Origin.

Gender: Female

Syllables: 3.0

Origin: Greek

Pronunciation: DOR-ə-thee (IPA: /ˈdɔrəθi/ or British /ˈdɒrəθi/)

What is the meaning of the name Dorothy ?

The baby name Dorothy is a Female name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced DOR-ə-thee (IPA: /ˈdɔrəθi/ or British /ˈdɒrəθi/).

Dorothy is Greek in Origin.

Dorothy is the English vernacular form of Greek Dorothea, from dōron “gift” + theos “god,” meaning “gift of God.” Carried into Western Europe through Latin Dorothea and the cult of Saint Dorothea of Caesarea, it entered medieval England and remained in steady use, flourishing in the 16th–17th centuries. The name reached a modern zenith in the early 20th century - Top 10 in the United States for decades - and became indelibly linked to Dorothy Gale of The Wizard of Oz, which reinforced its wholesome, intrepid image.

International variants include Dorothea and Dorothee (German), Dorothée (French), Dorotea (Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian), and Dorota (Polish, Czech, Slovak); the Greek masculine Dorotheos shares the same roots. Common diminutives are Dot, Dottie/Dotty, Dolly, Dora, and Thea. Though it declined mid-century, Dorothy now reads as a vintage classic, balancing sturdy traditionalism with a sweet, storied charm.

Dorothy has the following similar or variant Names

Dorothy Malone Actor · Born 1924 · United States Dorothy Malone was an American actress best known for her role as Constance MacKenzie in the television series Peyton Place. She also won an Academy Award for her performance in the film Written on the Wind. Her career spanned several decades, making her a familiar face in both film and television.	Dorothy Dandridge Actor · Born 1922 · United States Dorothy Dandridge was a talented American actress and singer, best known for her role in the film 'Carmen Jones'. She was the first African American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performances in 'Porgy and Bess' and 'Island in the Sun' also showcased her remarkable talent.	Dorothy Lamour Actor · Born 1914 · United States Dorothy Lamour was an American actress best known for her roles in the 'Road to...' film series alongside Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. She charmed audiences with her performances in movies like 'The Hurricane' and 'Road to Morocco'. Born in 1914, she became a beloved figure in Hollywood's golden era.
Dorothy McGuire Actor · Born 1916 · United States Dorothy McGuire was an American actress best known for her role in the film 'Gentleman's Agreement'. She also starred in 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' and 'Old Yeller', showcasing her versatility and talent in various genres.	Dorothy Stratten Actor · Born 1960 · Canada Dorothy Stratten was a Canadian actress and model best known for her role in the film 'Galaxina'. She gained fame as Playboy's Playmate of the Year in 1980. Tragically, her life was cut short when she was murdered at the age of 20.	Dorothy Mackaill Actor · Born 1903 · United States Dorothy Mackaill was a British-American actress best known for her roles during the silent film era and early talkies. She starred in films like 'The Man Who Came Back' and 'Safe in Hell'. Her career peaked in the late 1920s and early 1930s, making her a popular figure in Hollywood at the time.

Dorothy Janis

Actor · Born 1912 · United States

Dorothy Janis was an American actress best known for her roles in silent films during the late 1920s. She starred in movies like 'The Pagan' and 'Lonesome,' capturing audiences with her performances before retiring from acting in 1929.

Dorothy Provine

Actor|musician · Born 1935 · United States

Dorothy Provine was an American actress and singer best known for her role in the television series 'The Roaring 20s'. She also appeared in films like 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World' and 'That Darn Cat!'. Her musical talents were showcased in her performances on the show, where she sang several period songs.

Dorothy Tree

Actor · Born 1906 · United States

Dorothy Tree was an American actress best known for her work in films during the 1930s and 1940s. She appeared in movies like 'The Story of Louis Pasteur' and 'Marked Woman'. Later in her career, she became a respected voice coach.

Dorothy Kilgallen

Actor · Born 1913 · United States

Dorothy Kilgallen was a prominent American journalist and television personality, best known for her role as a panelist on the popular game show 'What's My Line?' She also gained attention for her investigative reporting, particularly her coverage of the John F. Kennedy assassination. Born in 1913, Kilgallen made significant contributions to journalism and television during her career.

Dorothy Comingore

Actor|musician · Born 1913 · United States

Dorothy Comingore was an American actress best known for her role as Susan Alexander Kane in the classic film Citizen Kane. Born in 1913, she had a promising career in Hollywood during the 1940s. Despite her talent, her career was cut short due to political blacklisting.

Dorothy Hart

Actor · Born 1922 · United States

Dorothy Hart was an American actress best known for her role in the film 'The Naked City' from 1948. She appeared in several other films during the 1940s and 1950s, including 'Tarzan's Savage Fury' and 'Larceny'.

Dorothy Sebastian

Actor · Born 1903 · United States

Dorothy Sebastian was an American actress best known for her roles in silent films during the 1920s and 1930s. She starred in movies like 'Our Dancing Daughters' and 'Spite Marriage' alongside notable actors of the era. Her career transitioned into talkies, but she remains most associated with the silent film era.

Dorothy Revier

Actor · Born 1904 · United States

Dorothy Revier was an American actress best known for her roles in silent films during the 1920s and 1930s. She starred in movies like 'The Iron Mask' and 'The Night Club.' Her performances made her a notable figure in the early days of Hollywood cinema.

Dorothy Dwan

Actor · Born 1906 · United States

Dorothy Dwan was an American actress best known for her work in silent films. She appeared in movies such as The Sea Tiger, The Fighting Eagle, and Manhandled.

Dorothy Christy

Actor · Born 1900 · United States

Dorothy Christy was an American actress best known for her roles in films during the 1930s. She appeared in movies like 'The Big Broadcast' and 'Pack Up Your Troubles', showcasing her talent in both comedic and dramatic roles.

Dorothy Bridges

Actor · Born 1915 · United States

Dorothy Bridges was an American actress best known for her role in the film 'See You in the Morning'. She was also part of the Bridges family of actors, including her husband Lloyd Bridges and sons Beau and Jeff Bridges.

Dorothy – Popularity by country

Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.

Country	Gender	Year	Rank	Born	of
Ireland	Girls	2025	#1	—	874
FJ	Girls	0	#8	2	583
KR	Girls	0	#13	3	572
BW		0	#19	1	960
MV		0	#19	1	644
KR	Boys	0	#27	1	897
BN		0	#31	2	2,297
NA		0	#32	2	2,537
MT		0	#42	2	1,767
MO		0	#45	8	2,706
CM		0	#54	3	2,592
CY		0	#59	2	1,632
MT	Girls	0	#69	87	3,773
IN		0	#71	1	2,963
JP		0	#76	2	4,057
GH	Girls	0	#77	698	6,973
SI		0	#80	1	1,612
PH		0	#82	15	5,607
CN		0	#83	4	3,857
JM		0	#86	8	3,714
TW		0	#98	6	4,523
ID	Girls	0	#102	1	3,319
BW	Girls	0	#103	46	4,216
QA		0	#106	1	7,011
BN	Girls	0	#112	3	5,459
HU		0	#115	1	1,675
OM		0	#117	5	6,215
CY	Girls	0	#122	4	3,755
EE	Boys	0	#125	1	2,087
GR		0	#134	2	3,911
MU		0	#137	1	3,613
PA		0	#138	1	3,797
JM	Girls	0	#139	141	7,507
BW	Boys	0	#154	1	4,685
GH		0	#160	89	5,396
CR		0	#163	3	5,526
PR	Girls	0	#167	1	3,171
HK	Girls	0	#171	888	16,104
Sweden	Girls	2019	#172	2	1,585
MT	Boys	0	#179	1	4,064
HR		0	#181	1	2,081
HK		0	#184	187	8,483
AE		0	#185	3	10,220
NA	Girls	0	#185	40	7,146
LU	Girls	0	#190	1	4,850
AR		0	#193	1	2,915
MO	Girls	0	#193	59	7,056
LT	Girls	0	#199	2	1,904
DK		0	#204	3	5,198
SG		0	#205	65	11,010
HU	Girls	0	#214	10	3,308
PS		0	#223	4	5,692
AL	Girls	0	#227	1	4,141
NG		0	#228	37	5,926
BG	Girls	0	#230	2	3,559
Canada	Girls	2024	#231	55	2,795
BD		0	#240	2	5,992
SG	Girls	0	#242	443	18,916
ZA	Girls	0	#242	2,585	25,928
GR	Girls	0	#244	6	6,293
JP	Girls	0	#249	3	6,592
NA	Boys	0	#253	1	6,830
TW	Girls	0	#258	19	8,139
GR	Boys	0	#273	1	6,912
CN	Girls	0	#277	73	8,829
IL		0	#279	4	6,291
SA		0	#281	15	10,560
JM	Boys	0	#290	4	6,876
HR	Girls	0	#292	3	3,687
MY		0	#296	35	12,352
QA	Girls	0	#299	18	15,378
NG	Girls	0	#309	808	15,093
PH	Girls	0	#312	80	13,098
MU	Girls	0	#320	32	8,539
DK	Girls	0	#324	6	7,429
PE		0	#328	2	6,350
KZ	Girls	0	#329	4	5,862
CN	Boys	0	#331	1	9,639
GH	Boys	0	#331	15	8,138
JO	Girls	0	#333	7	7,570
GT		0	#338	1	5,948
OM	Girls	0	#341	56	15,987
PL	Girls	0	#344	11	5,096
CZ	Girls	0	#351	1	5,378
SD	Girls	0	#354	5	7,678
BR		0	#359	2	5,969
CM	Girls	0	#361	187	11,671
ZA		0	#367	81	14,421
United States	Girls	2024	#368	714	8,487
BD	Girls	0	#376	11	8,413
NL		0	#382	10	2,481
France	Girls	2021	#400	6	3,185
BO		0	#408	1	6,868
PH	Boys	0	#408	1	11,440
EG		0	#411	2	6,387
CL		0	#433	2	6,867
KW	Girls	0	#444	72	19,177
MX		0	#444	2	8,339
PA	Girls	0	#458	24	9,861
PT	Girls	0	#468	4	7,952
CR	Girls	0	#476	57	11,342
RU	Girls	0	#479	20	11,913
GT	Girls	0	#489	17	7,500
AE	Girls	0	#492	62	20,968
UY	Girls	0	#499	12	6,731
PS	Girls	0	#502	22	10,981
CO		0	#509	2	7,768
IQ	Girls	0	#525	1	11,303
RU	Boys	0	#526	1	12,621
BH		0	#542	12	17,937
IR	Girls	0	#543	3	8,334
HK	Boys	0	#555	3	12,905
LY		0	#559	1	12,703
CM	Boys	0	#572	4	12,054
MY	Girls	0	#587	447	24,821
IL	Girls	0	#594	24	11,648
IN	Girls	0	#599	33	13,121
BO	Boys	0	#622	1	9,244
AR	Girls	0	#626	5	8,289
BO	Girls	0	#647	5	9,488
LB		0	#684	7	13,263
IT		0	#694	21	4,183
Finland	Girls	2026	#707	32	3,895
SG	Boys	0	#739	1	17,960
NL	Girls	0	#788	168	5,933
KW	Boys	0	#806	1	18,755
Germany	Girls	0	#813	26	4,949
CL	Girls	0	#826	26	14,098
SA	Girls	0	#850	86	25,931
TN		0	#865	1	13,765
PE	Girls	0	#886	58	14,861
OM	Boys	0	#916	3	17,948
Spain	Girls	0	#922	62	5,561
BR	Girls	0	#924	18	12,708
EG	Boys	0	#925	1	15,035
PE	Boys	0	#926	1	14,506
EG	Girls	0	#939	21	14,742
CO	Boys	0	#981	1	15,656
NG	Boys	0	#993	9	16,906
CO	Girls	0	#1,052	27	16,140
IT	Girls	0	#1,078	378	9,415
ZA	Boys	0	#1,128	51	25,619
MX	Girls	0	#1,144	40	17,781
MY	Boys	0	#1,176	7	25,439
MA		0	#1,197	3	20,986
TR		0	#1,202	10	19,440
DZ		0	#1,232	3	20,130
SA	Boys	0	#1,688	4	28,008

Dorothy is popular in 80 countries — most recent births per country:

France

Ireland

Canada

United States

Scotland, United Kingdom

Sweden

Germany

Spain

Finland

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