Holding steady.
Popularity of Dorotha since 1885
Babies named Dorotha per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dorotha's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 38 |
| 1900s | 273 |
| 1910s | 1,263 |
| 1920s | 1,767 |
| 1930s | 832 |
| 1940s | 354 |
| 1950s | 166 |
| 1960s | 84 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Dorotha is a feminine name that saw its peak popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in 1912 when it ranked among the most popular names for girls. It is a variant of Dorothy, with the same Greek origin meaning 'gift of God.' The name has largely fallen out of use since the 1930s, reflecting a broader shift away from traditional names ending in '-tha.' Despite its decline, Dorotha retains a vintage charm. First recorded in 1885, its trajectory has been stable in recent decades, with no signs of revival. Top states for the name historically include Ohio and Pennsylvania, though it never achieved widespread regional dominance.
Dorotha is a variant of Dorothy, which derives from the Greek name Dorothea, composed of dōron (gift) and theos (God). It was borne by several early Christian saints, contributing to its widespread use across Europe. The spelling Dorotha emerged in the 19th century as a phonetic variant, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dot, Dottie, Dolly, Thea
Sibling names for Dorotha
Names that share Dorotha's style, for a brother or sister.
