The name Doreen is of English origin, derived from the Old French word "dore," meaning "golden." It emerged in the 12th century as a diminutive form of the name Dorothy, which itself comes from the Greek words "doron" (gift) and "theos" (God), essentially meaning "gift of God."

In its earliest usage, Doreen was a pet form of Dorothy, often used as a nickname or affectionate variant of the longer name. It gradually gained popularity as a standalone name in its own right, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Doreen can be found in the 14th-century English romance "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." In this work, a character named Lady Doreen is mentioned, although it is uncertain whether this was intended as a proper name or a descriptive term.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Doreen. One of the earliest was Doreen Valerie Browne (1914-1936), an English socialite and member of the famous Browne family. Another well-known Doreen was Doreen Tracey (1943-2018), a British author and playwright known for her works exploring themes of feminism and social justice.

In the realm of sports, Doreen Wilber (1930-2008) was a pioneering American golfer who won numerous tournaments and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977. Doreen Massey (1944-2016) was a renowned British social scientist and geographer who made significant contributions to the study of urban and regional development.

Doreen Tovey (1918-2008) was an English writer and author of numerous books, including the popular "Cats in the Belfry" series, which chronicled her life with her husband and their many feline companions.

While the name Doreen has waned in popularity in recent decades, it remains a cherished part of the English-speaking world's onomastic heritage, carrying with it a sense of warmth, simplicity, and a connection to the golden qualities suggested by its historical roots.