Find out how popular the first name Dorice has been for the last 15 years (from 1975 to 1989) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dorice by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Dorice is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1989, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Dorice.

The history of the first name Dorice

The name Dorice is a feminine given name of uncertain origin, with various theories proposed regarding its etymology and historical roots. One hypothesis suggests that it derives from the Greek name Doris, which itself may have originated from the ancient Greek word "doris," meaning "gift." This association with the concept of a gift could have symbolic connotations of the perceived value or specialness of a child bearing this name.

Another theory posits that Dorice is a variant or diminutive form of the name Dorothy, which has its roots in the Greek name Dorothea. Dorothea is composed of the elements "doron," meaning "gift," and "theos," meaning "god," thus carrying the broader meaning of "God's gift." This potential connection to the name Dorothy could indicate a shared linguistic heritage between the two names.

In terms of historical records, the name Dorice appears to have been in use as early as the late 19th century, although its documented instances are relatively sparse compared to more common names of the time. One notable early bearer of the name was Dorice Elliott (1877-1962), an American actress and singer who performed on Broadway and in vaudeville during the early 20th century.

Another historical figure with the name Dorice was Dorice Klugh (1909-1994), an American costume designer who worked on numerous Broadway productions and films, including the 1951 classic "Show Boat." Her contributions to the world of theater and cinema costuming earned her recognition and critical acclaim throughout her career.

In the literary realm, Dorice was the name of a character in the novel "The Man Who Lost Himself" by Henry De Vere Stacpoole, published in 1918. Although a minor character, her inclusion in the work provides a glimpse into the use of the name in early 20th-century literature.

Moving forward in time, Dorice Jarmyn (1925-2018) was a British actress and singer who appeared in various television shows and films throughout the mid-20th century, including a recurring role in the popular series "The Avengers" in the 1960s.

Lastly, Dorice Moore (born 1930) is an American singer and actress who achieved notable success in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly with her hit song "Cry Me a River" in 1958. Her contributions to the music industry and her enduring legacy as a performer solidify her place among the notable individuals who have borne the name Dorice.

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

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

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