Declining since 1985, #2,387 for girls today.
Popularity of Dora since 1880
Babies named Dora per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dora's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 7,288 |
| 1890s | 8,684 |
| 1900s | 8,011 |
| 1910s | 14,012 |
| 1920s | 18,335 |
| 1930s | 12,387 |
| 1940s | 9,717 |
| 1950s | 9,285 |
| 1960s | 7,418 |
| 1970s | 3,941 |
| 1980s | 2,378 |
| 1990s | 1,734 |
| 2000s | 1,384 |
| 2010s | 919 |
| 2020s | 437 |
Meaning & origin
Dora is a classic name with Greek roots meaning 'gift.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak popularity in 1881, when it ranked among the top 100 names for girls. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, with a notable drop beginning around 1985. In 2025, it ranked 2387th, making it a relatively uncommon choice today. The name was especially favored in the 1880s and saw frequent use in states like New York, California, and Texas. While it may evoke the famous explorer Dora from children's television for some, its historical use predates that character by over a century. Dora also serves as a short form for longer names like Theodora and Isadora, offering flexibility for parents who prefer a formal option with a familiar nickname.
Dora originated as a short form of Greek names like Theodora (gift of God) and Isadora (gift of Isis), derived from the Greek word 'doron' meaning 'gift'. In the 19th century, it began to be used as an independent given name in English-speaking countries. The name enjoyed particular popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s, influenced by characters in literature and opera.
Where Dora is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Dora” around the world
Where Dora lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dorie, Dory
Sibling names for Dora
Names that share Dora's style, for a brother or sister.
