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.