Dory

“Gift from God”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 12% boys♀ 88% girls

#1517US 2023

683Births / yr

→Stable

1.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 194600

How to pronounce Dory

DAW·ree

/ˈdɔ.riː/ · stress on DAW · 2 syllables

“Gift from God”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Dory mean and where does it come from?

The name Dory is often used as a diminutive of Dorothy, which comes from the Greek name 'Dorothea' meaning 'gift of God.' Dory became popular in the 20th century, especially due to popular culture references, the most notable being the character Dory from the animated film 'Finding Nemo' and its seq

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #2055 in 1964 — currently #1517 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Dory?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Dory?

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

Dory Grace

How popular is Dory right now?

Holding steady — currently #1517 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2023#1517 · Top 1.1%

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2000

2005

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1517	683	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1522	663	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1527	633	▲ up 6427 · +4421% births
2005	#7954	14	▲ up 2920 · +75% births
2000	#10874	8	▼ down 526 · +14% births
1990	#10348	7	▼ down 4919 · -46% births
1985	#5429	13	▼ down 1037 · -24% births
1980	#4392	17	▼ down 722 · -6% births
1975	#3670	18	▼ down 785 · -25% births
1970	#2885	24	▲ up 437 · +60% births
1965	#3322	15	▼ down 1097 · -46% births
1960	#2225	28	▼ down 29 · +12% births
1955	#2196	25	▲ up 1149 · +127% births
1950	#3345	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Dory

Best Year2023Rank #1517

Peak Count683

Average Rank#4372

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1950 - 202314 years

The story of Dory

Dory entered American naming records in 1946 and has been in use for over 78 years. With 1,066 total births recorded, Dory remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3345 in 1950 to #1517 in 2023. Dory is used for both genders: 88% female and 12% male.

Names that peaked alongside Dory in 1964:

Lisa Mary Susan Karen Patricia

Dory by decade

Dory peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1940s	20
1950s	187
1960s	234
1970s ★	292
1980s	124
1990s	71
2000s	97
2010s	36

💎With 1,066 total births, Dory is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Dory?

ENGLISH

DorettaDorita

ITALIAN

Doretta

SPANISH

Dorita

GREEK

Dorotheos

What names sound and feel like Dory?

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

Lory

American · Derived from the

American · simmering or declining

How is Dory written in other languages?

Gender variants of Dory

Dorotheos GREEK Dorotheos LATE GREEK Dorotheus LATE ROMAN Dorofei RUSSIAN Dorofey RUSSIAN Dorijan CROATIAN Doria ENGLISH Dorian ENGLISH Dorian FRENCH Doriane FRENCH Doriano ITALIAN Dorin ROMANIAN Dorina ROMANIAN

Common questions about the name Dory

What does the name Dory mean?

Dory means "Gift from 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 Dory?

Dory is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Dory?

Dory 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 Dory?

Dory is a two-syllable name pronounced D AO1 R IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Dory a common or rare name?

Dory is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.