Doreen

sorrowful
English origin · Unisex name
0% boys100% girls
#743US 2023
1.5kBirths / yr
Stable
46.4kAll-time births
📅 Since 190000.13% of births at peak
How to pronounce Doreen
daw·REEN
/dɔ.ˈriːn/ · stress on REEN · 2 syllables
sorrowful
English origin · Unisex name

What does Doreen mean and where does it come from?

Doreen is a name of multiple origins, commonly believed to derive from the Irish name 'Dóra', meaning 'sorrowful'. It gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century. Notable people with this name include Doreen Virtue, a well-known author and speaker in the field of self-hel

Cultural significance
Doreen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #147 in 1956 — currently #743 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

What middle names flow best with Doreen?

Doreen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Doreen Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Doreen Rose
Floral · soft ending
Doreen Mae
Sweet · timeless
Doreen Claire
French influence · crisp
Doreen Jane
Literary · strong
Doreen Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Doreen
Browse ideas →

How popular is Doreen right now?

Holding steady — currently #743 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19002023#743 · Top 0.55%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#7431,457▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022#7481,437▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021#7531,407▲ up 7607 · +11625% births
2020#836012▼ down 3372 · -56% births
2015#498827▲ up 1944 · +50% births
2010#693218▼ down 382
2005#655018▼ down 2138 · -33% births
2000#441227▼ down 1186 · -23% births
1995#322635▼ down 1301 · -51% births
1990#192572▼ down 316 · -3% births
1985#160974▼ down 603 · -49% births
1980#1006145▼ down 406 · -46% births
1975#600268▼ down 247 · -62% births
1970#353708▼ down 135 · -53% births
1965#2181,510

The story of Doreen

Doreen has been a beloved American name for over 124 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1900. A total of 46,382 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1902 in 1900 to #743 in 2023. Doreen is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Doreen in 1956:

Doreen by decade

Doreen peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

DecadeBirths
1900s50
1910s286
1920s1,688
1930s2,859
1940s5,461
1950s16,101
1960s14,703
1970s3,353
1980s949
1990s443
2000s243
2010s234
2020s12

What are good nicknames for Doreen?

ENGLISH
DorettaDorita
ITALIAN
Doretta
SPANISH
Dorita
AMHARIC
Tewodros

Common questions about the name Doreen

What does the name Doreen mean?
Doreen means "Irish" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Doreen?
Doreen is currently ranked #743 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Doreen?
Doreen originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Doreen?
Doreen is a two-syllable name pronounced D AO0 R IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Doreen more of a girl or boy name?
Doreen is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.