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Dorothy First Name Meaning

Dorothy is a female given name of Greek origin, meaning "Gift Of God." It is derived from the Greek name Δωροθέα (Dōrothéa), which translates to "God's Gift," comprising of δῶρον (dōron) for "gift" and θεός (theós) for "god." The name has been in use since the 1400s and became popular among Christians due to the legends surrounding Saint Dorothy of Caeserea. Dorothy has several traditional diminutives, including Do, Dori, Dora, Dolly, and Dot. The name experienced periods of popularity, becoming one of the top 10 most popular names for girls in the United States between 1904 and 1940. Notable individuals bearing the name Dorothy include actresses, writers, nobility, activists, scientists, athletes, and fictional characters, showcasing the diverse impact of the name. In 2023, Dorothy ranked 466th among the most used names for newborn girls in the United States.

Sources: Wikipedia, available at https://www.wikipedia.org | BabyNames.com, available at https://www.babynames.com

How popular Dorothy first name? (2000 - Now)

Historical popularity of Dorothy first name (1880 - Now)

Sources: Social Security Administration, available at https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/



Famous people with Dorothy first name

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Jean Dandridge (November 9, 1922 – September 8, 1965) was a trailblazing American actress and singer. Notably, she was the first African-American film star to receive a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress, recognized for her role in Carmen Jones (1954). Dandridge began her career as a vocalist at renowned venues such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater. She rose to fame as a member of the Wonder Children, later known as the Dandridge Sisters, and appeared in numerous films, initially in uncredited roles. In 1959, she garnered a Golden Globe Award nomination for her performance in Porgy and Bess. Dandridge's life and legacy were honored in the 1999 biographical film "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge," with Halle Berry portraying her, and she also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite her professional success, Dandridge faced personal challenges, including two marriages and divorces, and tragically passed away at the age of 42. Her impact on the entertainment industry and her pioneering achievements continue to be celebrated.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Dorothy Gale
Dorothy Gale

Dorothy Gale is a beloved fictional character created by L. Frank Baum, featuring as the protagonist in numerous Oz novels and adaptations. Initially introduced in Baum's 1900 classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy journeys through sequels and adaptations, notably the iconic 1939 film adaptation. In the Oz books, Dorothy hails from a Kansas farm and is swept away to the Land of Oz with her loyal companion, Toto, by a tornado. Throughout her adventures, she displays bravery and resilience, becoming a princess of Oz and earning a prominent role in the series. Notably, she is celebrated for her trademark blue and white gingham dress and her unwavering character. Dorothy's age and lineage evolve throughout the series, and she continues to captivate audiences with her fearless and determined nature. With her enduring presence and unwavering spirit, Dorothy Gale remains an iconic figure in literature and popular culture, embodying courage and resilience for generations of readers and viewers.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan

Dorothy Jean Johnson Vaughan (September 20, 1910 – November 10, 2008) was an influential American mathematician known for her pioneering work at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and NASA. Vaughan made history as the first African-American woman to receive a promotion and supervise a group of staff at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. She played a crucial role in preparing for the introduction of computers in the early 1960s by teaching herself and her staff the Fortran programming language, eventually leading the programming section of the Analysis and Computation Division (ACD) at Langley.Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Vaughan graduated from Wilberforce University with a B.A. in mathematics and later pursued a career as a mathematics teacher during the Great Depression. Her groundbreaking career at Langley began in 1943, where she specialized in calculations for flight paths, the Scout Project, and computer programming. Vaughan's contributions extended to every area of research at Langley, and she played a significant role in supporting the United States' space program under President John F. Kennedy.Vaughan's remarkable story was brought to light in Margot Lee Shetterly's "Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race" and was further immortalized in the biographical film adaptation of the same name. In 2019, she was posthumously honored with the Congressional Gold Medal,

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker

Dorothy Parker, born on August 22, 1893, was an influential American poet, writer of fiction, plays, and screenplays. She was renowned for her caustic humor and keen observations of 20th-century urban life. Parker gained recognition for her literary works published in magazines such as The New Yorker and her role as a founding member of the Algonquin Round Table. Despite her significant contributions to literature and screenwriting, Parker's involvement in left-wing politics led to her being blacklisted in Hollywood, affecting her career. Even though she downplayed her own talents and disliked being labeled a "wisecracker," her literary output and sharp wit have left a lasting impact. Parker's upbringing was marked by personal challenges, including the loss of her mother at a young age and an allegedly difficult relationship with her father. Despite these adversities, she pursued her passion for writing and eventually found success in the literary world. Dorothy Parker's legacy continues to endure, with some of her works even being adapted into musical compositions.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Dorothy Day
Dorothy Day

Dorothy Day, OblSB (November 8, 1897 – November 29, 1980) was an American journalist, social activist, and anarchist who later embraced Catholicism while continuing her social activism. Her journey and conversion are detailed in her autobiography, "The Long Loneliness," published in 1952. Day was a prominent figure in American Catholicism and a vocal political radical. She was known for her involvement in social causes and her commitment to nonviolent direct action. Day co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement in the 1930s with Peter Maurin, which focused on aiding the poor and homeless while advocating for nonviolent activism. She faced multiple arrests due to her civil disobedience, reflecting her unwavering dedication to her beliefs. Day was also the editor of the Catholic Worker newspaper until her passing in 1980, where she promoted distributism, a Catholic economic theory. Her exemplary life and commitment to faith and social justice have been acknowledged by various popes and the Catholic Church, with her cause for canonization being accepted by the Holy See, earning her the title "Servant of God." Born in Brooklyn, New York, Day's early religious inclinations led her to embrace Christianity and later become involved in social activism. She pursued higher education at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign before relocating to New York City, where she immersed herself in socialist publications and became actively engaged in social causes. Day's impact on American Catholicism

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