Dorthy

“gift of God”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#683US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

20.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 188500.06% of births at peak

How to pronounce Dorthy

dawr-thee

/dawr-thee/ · · 2 syllables

“gift of God”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Dorthy mean and where does it come from?

Dorthy is a variant spelling of the name Dorothy, derived from the Greek 'Dorothea' (Δωροθέα). It rose to prominence in the English-speaking world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name gained further popularity through notable cultural references, particularly the character Dorothy

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #234 in 1930 — currently #683 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Dorthy?

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

Dorthy Grace

How popular is Dorthy right now?

Holding steady — currently #683 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#683 · Top 0.50%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#683	1,517	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#688	1,497	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#693	1,467	▲ up 7651 · +12125% births
2020	#8344	12	▲ up 6148 · +100% births
2015	#14492	6	▼ down 2193 · -25% births
2010	#12299	8	▲ up 2248 · +33% births
2005	#14547	6	▼ down 5991 · -45% births
2000	#8556	11	▼ down 1892 · -15% births
1995	#6664	13	▼ down 506 · -7% births
1990	#6158	14	▼ down 2631 · -42% births
1985	#3527	24	▼ down 778 · -27% births
1980	#2749	33	▼ down 421 · -6% births
1975	#2328	35	▼ down 420 · -22% births
1970	#1908	45	▼ down 735 · -46% births
1965	#1173	84	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Dorthy

Best Year1930Rank #234

Peak Count1,517

Average Rank#3256

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Dorthy

Dorthy has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. A total of 20,382 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1020 in 1885 to #683 in 2023. Dorthy is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Dorthy in 1930:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Dorthy by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	19
1890s	72
1900s	347
1910s	2,125
1920s ★	5,767
1930s	5,231
1940s	3,351
1950s	1,829
1960s	795
1970s	343
1980s	212
1990s	129
2000s	78
2010s	72
2020s	12

What are good nicknames for Dorthy?

CROATIAN

DoraTea

DANISH

DitteDoritEaTeaThea

DUTCH

Dora

ENGLISH

DeeDodieDollieDollyDoraDoreanDoreenDorettaDorindaDorineDoritaDoryDotDottieDottyThea

What names sound and feel like Dorthy?

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

Dorothy

English · Gift of God

Worthy

American · worthy or deserving

Dorithy

English · Greek

Dortha

American · Gift of God

darthy

American · English

Orothy

American · A variant of

Marthy

American · lady, mistress

Torchy

American · English

How is Dorthy written in other languages?

Gender variants of Dorthy

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

Common questions about the name Dorthy

What does the name Dorthy mean?

Dorthy means "gift of God" — 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 Dorthy?

Dorthy is currently ranked #683 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 Dorthy?

Dorthy 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.

Is Dorthy more of a girl or boy name?

Dorthy is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.

What are good nicknames for Dorthy?

Dorthy naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.