Find out how popular the first name Doretha has been for the last 25 years (from 1974 to 1998) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Doretha by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Doretha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1998, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Doretha.

The history of the first name Doretha

The name Doretha is a feminine given name with roots tracing back to ancient Greece. It is derived from the Greek word "dorea," meaning "gift," and the suffix "-tha," indicating a feminine form. The name can be interpreted as "a gift" or "the gifted one."

In ancient Greek mythology, Doretha was the name of a nymph associated with nature and fertility. She was believed to be a companion to the goddess Artemis, the protector of young girls and childbirth. This connection to the divine realm might have contributed to the name's early popularity among Greek families.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Doretha can be found in ancient Greek texts and inscriptions dating back to the 5th century BCE. One notable historical figure bearing this name was Doretha of Corinth, a renowned poet and philosopher who lived in the 4th century BCE. Her works, though largely lost to time, were celebrated for their depth and eloquence.

During the Byzantine era, the name Doretha gained popularity among Christian families in the Eastern Roman Empire. It was associated with the virtues of grace and generosity, reflecting the name's meaning as "a gift." In the 6th century CE, Saint Doretha, a nun renowned for her charitable works, became a revered figure in the Orthodox Christian tradition.

In the Middle Ages, the name Doretha spread across Europe, particularly in regions influenced by Greek culture and language. One notable bearer of the name was Doretha of Arles, a 12th-century Countess of Provence, who played a significant role in the political and cultural affairs of her time.

Throughout history, several other notable figures have borne the name Doretha. Doretha von Sachsen-Lauenburg (1554-1586) was a German princess and abbess who made significant contributions to the religious and intellectual life of her era. Doretha Muir (1829-1923) was a Scottish-American naturalist and writer, known for her pioneering work in the field of environmental conservation.

In the 20th century, Doretha Benton Frank (1951-2019) was an American novelist and author, renowned for her captivating stories set in the Southern United States. Doretha Caldwell (1922-2001) was an influential American jazz singer and actress, whose rich vocals and stage presence earned her critical acclaim.

While the name Doretha has seen ebbs and flows in popularity over the centuries, its rich history and diverse cultural influences have made it a notable addition to the tapestry of given names worldwide.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Doretha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Doretha, please contact us.

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