Doretha

“Gift”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#816US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

8.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 189600.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Doretha

DOO·RETH·AH

/ˈduː.ˈrɛth.ˈɑ/ · stress on DOO · 3 syllables

“Gift”

American origin · Girl name

What does Doretha mean and where does it come from?

Doretha is a variant of the name Dorothy, which has Greek origins meaning 'gift of God.' The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 19th century. Although now not as widely used, it has historical roots grounded in Christian traditions. Notable individuals with the name incl

Cultural significance

Doretha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gift.

Peak popularity

Reached #502 in 1932 — currently #816 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Doretha?

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

Doretha Grace

How popular is Doretha right now?

Holding steady — currently #816 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#816 · Top 0.60%

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#816	1,384	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#821	1,364	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#826	1,334	▲ up 12676 · +26580% births
1995	#13502	5	▼ down 7334 · -64% births
1990	#6168	14	▼ down 780 · +8% births
1985	#5388	13	▼ down 3038 · -68% births
1980	#2350	41	▲ up 120 · +28% births
1975	#2470	32	▼ down 960 · -52% births
1970	#1510	66	▼ down 501 · -38% births
1965	#1009	107	▼ down 194 · -34% births
1960	#815	163	▼ down 136 · -15% births
1955	#679	191	▲ up 13 · +23% births
1950	#692	155	▼ down 101 · +1% births
1945	#591	153	▼ down 32 · -1% births
1940	#559	154	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Doretha

Best Year1935Rank #515

Peak Count1,384

Average Rank#1966

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202323 years

The story of Doretha

Doretha has been a beloved American name for over 128 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1896. With 8,561 total births recorded, Doretha remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1861 in 1900 to #816 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Doretha in 1932:

Mary Betty Barbara Dorothy Joan

Doretha by decade

Doretha peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	6
1900s	88
1910s	541
1920s	1,379
1930s	1,450
1940s	1,496
1950s ★	1,833
1960s	1,123
1970s	400
1980s	186
1990s	59

💎With 8,561 total births, Doretha is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Doretha?

Common

DorDorieDoryEtha

What names sound and feel like Doretha?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Doretha also consider these

Doresha

American · A beloved name

Doreatha

American · Derived from Greek

Dortha

American · Gift of God

Joretha

American · God is gracious

Coretha

American · A variant of

Common questions about the name Doretha

What does the name Doretha mean?

Doretha means "Gift" — a name rooted in American 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 Doretha?

Doretha is currently ranked #816 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Doretha?

Doretha originates from American tradition. American 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 Doretha?

Doretha is a three-syllable name pronounced D UW1 R EH1 T HH AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Doretha?

Doretha pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.