Find out how popular the first name Dori has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dori by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Dori is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Dori.

The history of the first name Dori

The name Dori has its origins in the Greek language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is believed to be a shortened form of the Greek name Dorothea, which means "gift of God" or "divine gift." The name Dorothea itself is derived from the Greek words "doron," meaning gift, and "theos," meaning God.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Dori can be found in ancient Greek literature, where it was used as a diminutive or nickname for Dorothea. The name gained popularity in the Greek-speaking world and was later adopted by other cultures and regions.

In the early Christian era, the name Dori gained significance as it was associated with several saints and martyrs. One notable example is Saint Doria, a 4th-century martyr from Antioch who was venerated for her unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Dori. One of the earliest recorded instances is Dori of Samos, a Greek architect and sculptor who lived in the 6th century BC and is credited with designing the famous Temple of Hera on the island of Samos.

Another notable figure was Dori Gersoni, a 16th-century Italian Jewish scholar and author who wrote extensively on Jewish law and philosophy. She was born in 1510 and is recognized for her contributions to the intellectual and religious discourse of her time.

In the world of literature, the name Dori is associated with the character Dori, one of the main protagonists in the classic novel "The Odyssey" by Homer. Dori was a mermaid who played a pivotal role in helping Odysseus and his crew navigate the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

In more recent times, the name Dori gained popularity in the United States and other English-speaking countries. One notable figure was Dori Seda, an American singer and actress who was born in 1949. She is best known for her role in the hit Broadway musical "West Side Story" and her successful music career in the 1960s and 1970s.

Another famous Dori was Dori Wollen, a pioneering American photographer and artist who was born in 1933. Her work focused on capturing the essence of everyday life and the human condition, and she is widely celebrated for her contributions to the field of documentary photography.

While the name Dori has its roots in Greek culture and language, it has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, becoming a beloved name across various regions and time periods. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its pleasant sound, rich historical significance, and association with notable figures throughout history.

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 Dori was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!