A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Dottie since 1881
Babies named Dottie per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 94 |
| 1890s | 204 |
| 1900s | 213 |
| 1910s | 400 |
| 1920s | 813 |
| 1930s | 1,210 |
| 1940s | 2,265 |
| 1950s | 1,704 |
| 1960s | 1,122 |
| 1970s | 494 |
| 1980s | 228 |
| 1990s | 67 |
| 2000s | 64 |
| 2010s | 353 |
| 2020s | 767 |
Meaning & origin
Dottie is a classic nickname name that saw its greatest popularity in the mid-20th century. First recorded in 1881, it peaked in 1944 as a familiar, friendly choice for girls. After a long decline, Dottie has been rising again since 2001, reflecting a broader trend toward vintage nickname names. It is most common in Idaho, Utah, and Kansas. With its cheerful, retro feel, Dottie offers a casual alternative to Dorothy while still carrying the meaning 'gift of God'.
Dottie is a diminutive of Dorothy, which derives from the Greek name Dorothea, meaning 'gift of God' (from doron 'gift' and theos 'god'). Dorothy was a popular saint's name and came into common English use after the 16th century. Dottie emerged as an affectionate nickname in the 19th century and was especially popular in the United States during the mid-20th century.
Where Dottie 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.
“Dottie” around the world
Where Dottie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dot, Dotty
Sibling names for Dottie
Names that share Dottie's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Betty, Peggy, Sally, Nancy, Gloria, Billie, Essie, Jerrie, Jonnie, Lennie, Lettie, Maudie, Pennie, Tressie, Trudy, Dorie, Letty, Lonie, Mellie, Bobbe, Ebbie, Etty, Gini, Letti, Lollie, Mazzie, Nezzie, Pati, Babs, Eppie, Jimmye, Lilliemae, Merlie, Prudie, Tempie, Wessie, Dawt, Ibbie, Lenzie, Lummie, Nattie, Nillie, Pasty, Patsye, Radie, Rissie, Sible, Tomma
Brothers: Jimmy, Johnny, Bobby, Tommy, Freddie, Dickie, Buddie, Dennie, Elgie, Corky, Howie, Rommie, Eddye, Jakie, Jetty, Mosie, Zebbie
