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girl name · greek origin

Dorothea

/ dor-ə-THEE-ə /
Girl greek 4 syllables
Meaning
Dorothea means gift of God (greek).
Gender
Girl
Origin
greek
Pronunciation
dor-ə-THEE-ə
Popularity
#1782 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Dorothea in the US, 1880–2025
18801900192019401960198020002020

Dorothea first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 1920, when 1,110 girls were given the name.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Dorothea popular?

Vintage Dorothea is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1920.

US babies given the name Dorothea, by decade
2020s 464
2010s 345
2000s 210
1990s 299
1980s 478
1970s 768
1960s 2,326
1950s 3,008
1940s 3,111
1930s 4,180
1920s 8,518
1910s 7,750
1900s 1,810
1890s 807
1880s 347

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Dorothea mean?

From Greek Dorothea, combining doron 'gift' + theos 'God' — 'gift of God'. It is the exact reversal of the elements in Theodora/Theodore.

Names like Dorothea

greek names with a similar feel and popularity.

See all names like Dorothea →

Names that pair well with Dorothea

Popular greek names for a sibling or a middle name.

Compare Dorothea

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Dorothea mean?

Dorothea means gift of God. From Greek Dorothea, combining doron 'gift' + theos 'God' — 'gift of God'. It is the exact reversal of the elements in Theodora/Theodore.

What is the origin of the name Dorothea?

Dorothea is of greek origin.

How do you pronounce Dorothea?

Dorothea is pronounced “dor-ə-THEE-ə.”

Is Dorothea a boy or a girl name?

Dorothea is most commonly used as a girl name.

Is Dorothea a popular name right now?

Dorothea is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1920.

How popular is the name Dorothea?

In 2025, Dorothea ranked #1782 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Dorothea most popular?

Dorothea was most popular in 1920, when about 1,110 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Dorothea?

Names similar to Dorothea include Calliope, Melina, Delia, Daphne, Ariadne.

What names go well with Dorothea?

greek names that pair well with Dorothea include Christopher, Cynthia, Andrew, Helen, Timothy.