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

Popularity of Dorian by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Dorian is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 87% of people named Dorian being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 465 male babies and 13 female babies born with the name Dorian.

The history of the first name Dorian

The name Dorian has its origins in ancient Greece, derived from the Doric dialect spoken in the Dorian region of the Peloponnese peninsula. It is thought to have stemmed from the Greek word "doris," meaning "of the Dorians." The Dorians were one of the four major ethnic groups in ancient Greece, known for their simplicity, austerity, and valor in battle.

In literature, the name Dorian first appeared in the works of ancient Greek historians and philosophers, such as Herodotus and Plato, who documented the cultural and linguistic characteristics of the Dorian people. The name also found its way into Greek mythology, with figures like Dorian, the eponymous founder of the Dorian tribe, and Dorus, the son of Hellen, the mythical progenitor of the Greek nation.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dorian was in the 5th century BC, when Dorian, a Greek sculptor from the island of Rhodes, gained fame for his intricate marble works. Another notable bearer of the name was Dorian the Grammarian, a Byzantine scholar who lived in the 6th century AD and wrote extensively on Greek grammar and syntax.

In more recent history, the name Dorian gained prominence through literary and artistic figures. Dorian Gray, the central character in Oscar Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1890), became an iconic representation of the pursuit of eternal youth and beauty. Dorian Leigh (1917-2008), an American model and actress, was one of the first celebrated supermodels of the 20th century.

Other notable individuals named Dorian include Dorian Coninx (1654-1701), a Flemish painter known for his religious works, Dorian Shainin (1914-2000), an American engineer and statistician who developed innovative quality control methods, and Dorian Concept (born 1984), an Austrian electronic music producer and DJ renowned for his unique blend of styles.

Throughout history, the name Dorian has carried connotations of classical Greek culture, artistic expression, and a connection to the Dorian people's reputation for strength and resilience. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its rich historical roots and the diverse range of accomplished individuals who have borne this name over the centuries.

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

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

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