Holding steady.
Popularity of Doretha since 1896
Babies named Doretha per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1956, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Doretha's real moment was 1932.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 88 |
| 1910s | 541 |
| 1920s | 1,379 |
| 1930s | 1,451 |
| 1940s | 1,496 |
| 1950s | 1,833 |
| 1960s | 1,123 |
| 1970s | 400 |
| 1980s | 186 |
| 1990s | 59 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Doretha is a variant of Dorothy that saw its highest use in the 1930s, with a peak in 1932. Although it has become rare today, it holds a nostalgic charm for those seeking a name from that era. The name's trajectory is stable, with occasional use but no signs of a revival. Doretha's meaning, 'gift of God', connects it to the long-standing tradition of Dorothea and Dorothy, names that have appeared in various forms across English-speaking cultures. While not associated with any particular state, Doretha fits a pattern of feminine names ending in 'a' that were popular during the early 20th century.
Doretha is a variant of Dorothy, which derives from the Greek name Dorothea, composed of 'doron' (gift) and 'theos' (God). The name was popularized in English-speaking countries during the 19th and early 20th centuries, often as a less formal form. Doretha experienced its peak usage in the 1930s, particularly in the United States.
Where Doretha 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dore, Dodi, Thea
Sibling names for Doretha
Names that share Doretha's style, for a brother or sister.
