Holding steady.
Popularity of Dorsey since 1880
Babies named Dorsey per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dorsey's real moment was 1894.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 139 |
| 1890s | 0 | 165 |
| 1900s | 5 | 185 |
| 1910s | 89 | 773 |
| 1920s | 158 | 927 |
| 1930s | 122 | 760 |
| 1940s | 120 | 751 |
| 1950s | 122 | 604 |
| 1960s | 103 | 398 |
| 1970s | 57 | 265 |
| 1980s | 23 | 202 |
| 1990s | 18 | 109 |
| 2000s | 0 | 98 |
| 2010s | 0 | 35 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Dorsey emerged as a given name in the United States during the late 19th century, reflecting the era's fashion for using Irish surnames as first names. Its peak year was 1894, when it saw its highest recorded usage. Since then, the name has remained steadily rare but has never disappeared entirely; its trajectory is stable, with a small number of births each year. As a surname-derived name with a straightforward pronunciation, Dorsey carries a classic, understated feel. Though not currently in the top 1000, its historical usage and Irish heritage give it a quiet charm for those seeking an uncommon name with roots.
Dorsey originated as an Irish surname, an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Dorcháin, meaning 'descendant of Dorcháin', a personal name derived from 'dorcha' (dark). The name was brought to America by Irish immigrants and later used as a given name, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Dorsey is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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
Sibling names for Dorsey
Names that share Dorsey's style, for a brother or sister.
