Find out how popular the first name Dortha has been for the last 10 years (from 1975 to 1984) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dortha by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Dortha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1984, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Dortha.

The history of the first name Dortha

The name Dortha is thought to have its origins in the Germanic languages, specifically deriving from the Old High German word "dori" meaning "precious" or "valuable." It is also believed to be related to the Old Norse name "Dora," which has similar meanings of "gift" or "valuableness."

Dortha was a name particularly popular during the Middle Ages across various regions of Europe, including Germany, England, and Scandinavia. It was often used as a feminine form of the masculine name "Theodoric" or "Theodor," which also had Germanic roots and meant "ruler of the people."

In terms of historical references, the name Dortha is mentioned in various medieval records and documents, although its usage was not as widespread as some other names of the time. One notable example is Dortha of Montau, a 13th-century German noblewoman and landowner who was involved in disputes over land rights and inheritances.

The earliest recorded examples of the name Dortha can be traced back to the 9th century, with records indicating its use in various parts of Europe during this period. However, it is worth noting that due to variations in spelling and record-keeping practices, some instances of the name may have been lost or recorded differently.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Dortha, including:

1. Dortha von Gemmingen (1422-1495), a German abbess and noblewoman who served as the abbess of the Frauenalb Abbey in Baden-Württemberg.

2. Dortha Skåvank (c. 1490-1537), a Norwegian noblewoman and landowner who played a significant role in the Reformation movement in Norway.

3. Dortha von Sachsen-Lauenburg (1599-1660), a German princess and duchess consort of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg.

4. Dortha Maria von Pfalz-Neuburg (1639-1693), a German princess and countess palatine of Neuburg, known for her patronage of the arts and sciences.

5. Dortha Engelbrechtsdatter (c. 1634-1713), a Norwegian landowner and one of the wealthiest women in Norway during her lifetime.

While the name Dortha has fallen out of widespread use in modern times, it remains an interesting part of the historical record, reflecting the cultural and linguistic influences of various Germanic regions throughout 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 Dortha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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