Create Your Family Tree Map
SIGN UPDorcas is a captivating female name of Greek origin, meaning "A Gazelle." The name is derived from the figure Dorcas in the New Testament, known for her acts of charity and compassion. In Greek, Dorcas is translated as "Dorkás" and in Imperial Aramaic as "Ṭabītā," both signifying the graceful and swift nature of a gazelle. Historically, individuals bearing the name Dorcas have made noteworthy contributions across various fields, from sports and activism to entrepreneurship and literature. Notable figures include Dorcas Good, associated with the Salem witch trials, and Dorcas Reilly, the inventor of Green Bean Casserole. This timeless name carries an elegant and profound significance, reflecting attributes of grace, agility, and benevolence. Additionally, the name Tabitha is closely related to Dorcas, as it is derived from the Aramaic version, further highlighting the enduring appeal and cultural significance of the name.
Dorcas Lillian Bates Reilly, born on July 22, 1926, was a renowned American chef, homemaker, and inventor, most famous for her creation of the green bean casserole recipe. She began her career at Campbell's Test Kitchen in 1949, where she contributed to the development of numerous recipes. Notably, her innovative green bean casserole earned her the title of "Grandmother of the Green Bean Bake." Reilly's journey in the culinary world began in Woodbury, New Jersey, and later led her to become a pivotal figure in the home economics department at Campbell's. She took a brief hiatus from her career to raise her children but returned to become the manager of the Test Kitchen. In 2002, her iconic green bean casserole recipe was donated to the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Reilly's legacy continues to inspire many, and her contributions to the culinary world remain unparalleled. Sadly, she passed away on October 15, 2018, in Camden, New Jersey, after battling Alzheimer's disease.
Dorcas Cochran (c. 1903 – July 6, 1991) was an acclaimed American lyricist and screenwriter, also known as Dorcas Cochran Jewell. She gained recognition for her notable contributions to the music industry, particularly for her best-known song "Again," which achieved multiple recordings on the US charts. Cochran's talent extended to writing lyrics for major hits, such as "I Get Ideas" and "Here" for Tony Martin, and "Under the Bridges of Paris" recorded by Eartha Kitt and Dean Martin. Her lyrical prowess also shone through with "Mostly Martha," charted by The Crew-Cuts in 1955. Additionally, she penned the lyrics for the theme to the television series Adventures in Paradise in 1959. Cochran's impact on the film industry is evident in her diverse contributions to various films, including "Frisco Lil," "The Cincinnati Kid," and many more. Her legacy continues to resonate, cementing her as a significant figure in the world of music and cinema. Dorcas Cochran passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, leaving behind a rich and enduring musical and cinematic legacy.
Dorcas Broward Drake (September 23, 1916 – September 26, 1993) was an influential American figure known for her dedication to philanthropy and community service. As the granddaughter of former Florida Governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, Drake left a remarkable legacy through her initiative, the Dorcas Drake Christmas Party and Toy Drive in Jacksonville, Florida. This annual event, which she pioneered in 1957, aimed to bring joy to underprivileged children during the holiday season. Dressed in a Santa Claus costume, Dorcas Drake personally distributed gifts to countless needy children, touching the lives of an estimated 50,000 youngsters in Jacksonville. Her commitment to this cause inspired her family to continue the tradition for a decade following her passing. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Drake was honored by The Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women for Women's History Month in 1989. Her impactful work lives on through the Children's Christmas Party of Jacksonville, which succeeded her original event in 1999. Dorcas Broward Drake's remarkable philanthropy and dedication to serving her community have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless children and families in Jacksonville.
Dorcas Ama Frema Coker-Appiah, born on August 17, 1946, is a prominent Ghanaian lawyer and women's rights activist. She currently serves as the executive director of the Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre, also known as the "Gender Centre," in Accra, Ghana. Coker-Appiah has played pivotal roles in various organizations advocating for women's rights on national, regional, and international platforms. Having earned a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Ghana in 1970, she has been actively involved in the advocacy for women's rights. Coker-Appiah was a founding member of FIDA Ghana and held several leadership positions within the organization, including vice president and president. She is also a member of Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), where she contributes her expertise as a founding member and chairperson of its African regional board. Coker-Appiah has contributed significantly to the literature on women's rights and gender-based violence through her publications, including "Breaking the Silence & Challenging the Myths of Violence Against Women and Children in Ghana." Her commitment to advancing gender equality and combating violence against women has been widely acknowledged and celebrated.
Dorcas Brigham (May 18, 1896 – February 14, 1986) was an accomplished American botanist, horticulturist, and farmer. Born in Newtonville, Massachusetts, she later pursued her education at Smith College after graduating from Dana Hall School in 1914. Brigham's professional journey led her back to Smith College, where she served as a botany professor and later ventured into landscape architecture. In 1929, she co-purchased a 25-acre farm near Williamsburg, known as Village Hill Nursery, which became a hub for her passion for herbs and horticulture.During World War II, Brigham managed the victory garden on the Smith campus, showcasing her dedication to agriculture. Her retirement was marked by her continued involvement in nature-related activities, from leading the local Audubon Society chapter in Mount Dora to co-founding the Florida Native Plant Society in 1980. Even in her later years, she remained active, studying plant and animal life in various countries. She left behind a remarkable legacy in the field of botany and horticulture and passed away in 1986 at the age of 89. Her contributions are preserved in the Smith College archives.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.