Dorothea

“gift of God”

Greek origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#583US 2023

1.6kBirths / yr

→Stable

34kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.1% of births at peak

How to pronounce Dorothea

daw·ruth·EE·uh

/ˌdɔ.rəθ.ˈiː.ə/ · stress on EE · 4 syllables

“gift of God”

Greek origin · Unisex name

What does Dorothea mean and where does it come from?

The name Dorothea is of Greek origin, derived from 'Dorotheos', meaning 'gift of God'. It has been used since early Christian times, with several saints bearing the name. Dorothea was more popular in the 19th century in English-speaking countries and has literary connections, including in works by a

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #174 in 1912 — currently #583 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Dorothea?

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

Dorothea Grace

How popular is Dorothea right now?

Holding steady — currently #583 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#583 · Top 0.43%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#583	1,617	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#588	1,597	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#593	1,567	▲ up 2232 · +2649% births
2020	#2825	57	▲ up 1081 · +50% births
2015	#3906	38	▲ up 2278 · +81% births
2010	#6184	21	▲ up 1707 · +50% births
2005	#7891	14	▼ down 1951 · -22% births
2000	#5940	18	▼ down 1593 · -22% births
1995	#4347	23	▼ down 1650 · -47% births
1990	#2697	43	▼ down 336 · +2% births
1985	#2361	42	▼ down 266 · -14% births
1980	#2095	49	▼ down 534 · -23% births
1975	#1561	64	▼ down 587 · -50% births
1970	#974	129	▼ down 296 · -39% births
1965	#678	211	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Dorothea

Best Year1915Rank #182

Peak Count1,617

Average Rank#1694

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Dorothea

Dorothea has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 34,016 babies have received this name. Dorothea is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Dorothea in 1912:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Dorothea by decade

Dorothea peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	347
1890s	807
1900s	1,810
1910s	7,750
1920s ★	8,518
1930s	4,181
1940s	3,111
1950s	3,013
1960s	2,324
1970s	767
1980s	478
1990s	300
2000s	210
2010s	343
2020s	57

What are good nicknames for Dorothea?

CROATIAN

DoraTea

DANISH

DitteDoritEaTeaThea

DUTCH

Dora

ENGLISH

DeeDodieDollieDollyDoraDoreanDoreenDorettaDorindaDorineDoritaDoryDotDottieDottyThea

Famous people named Dorothea

Dorothea (Greek poet or artist)

Dorothea helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.

Dorothea (Byzantine leader)

Dorothea used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Dorothea (modern Greek athlete)

Dorothea brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.

Dorothea (ancient philosopher)

Dorothea bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.

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What names sound and feel like Dorothea?

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

Dorethea

Greece · Greek

Dorathea

Greece · Meaning 'gift of

Dorotea

Greece · gift of God

Arethea

Greek · Virtuous or excellent

Dóróthea

International · A International name

Anathea

Greek · gracious, merciful

How is Dorothea written in other languages?

Δωροθεα

Ancient Greek

Gender variants of Dorothea

Dorotheos GREEK Dorotheos LATE GREEK Dorotheus LATE ROMAN Dorofei RUSSIAN Dorofey RUSSIAN Doria ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Dorothea

What does the name Dorothea mean?

Dorothea means "gift of God" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Dorothea?

Dorothea is currently ranked #583 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 Dorothea?

Dorothea originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Dorothea?

Dorothea is a four-syllable name pronounced D AO2 R AH0 TH IY1 AH0. 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 Dorothea?

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