Dorothy: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are celebrations honoring a patron saint associated with a particular name, often observed with religious or cultural traditions. Dorothy, a name with roots in medieval England, carries a history of strength and virtue. Its mood is one of gentle elegance and nostalgic warmth, while its origins lie in Germanic elements signifying 'gift' and 'strength'. In the USA, Dorothy is celebrated on February 6th, and in Greece and Ukraine on June 5th, marking a special day for those bearing this classic name.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Dorothy's name day is celebrated
on February 6 in the USA and
June 5 in Greece and Ukraine.
The Story Behind This Name
Dorothy experienced peak popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely fueled by the beloved novel *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*. While its usage declined significantly after the 1950s, it maintains a nostalgic charm and continues to be used, albeit less frequently. In other parts of the world, Dorothy is found in English-speaking countries like Canada and Australia, though it’s less common than in the US. It also appears, adapted to local languages, in some European nations. The name carries a classic, somewhat vintage feel, evoking a sense of warmth and innocence. Despite its decline in mainstream popularity, Dorothy remains a recognizable and appreciated name.
Name origin and meaning
The name is a medieval English name, formed from the Germanic elements *doru* meaning 'gift' and *þryþ* meaning 'strength'. It was originally a relatively rare name, primarily used in the medieval period. Its rise to prominence coincided with the Victorian era, a time when elaborate and somewhat uncommon names became fashionable. The name’s association with virtue and strength likely contributed to its increasing appeal. Over time, it became a standard and well-respected name within English-speaking communities.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Dorothy is overwhelmingly a feminine name globally. While theoretically possible to assign it to a male, this is exceptionally rare and would be considered highly unconventional. In English-speaking countries, it is almost exclusively given to girls. Across European languages where variations exist, the name consistently identifies as female. There are no significant cultural contexts where Dorothy is used as a masculine name. Its long-standing association with female characters and historical usage firmly establishes its gender identity.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
Dorothy evokes a feeling of gentle sweetness and classic elegance. It carries a nostalgic warmth, reminiscent of simpler times and wholesome values. The name suggests a personality that is kind, thoughtful, and perhaps a little bit reserved. There’s a subtle strength embedded within the name, hinting at resilience and inner fortitude. Overall, Dorothy projects a comforting and approachable vibe, radiating a sense of quiet grace.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Dorothy
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 6 – The Nurturer.
Keywords: Responsibility, family, love, service, harmony, compassion.
Positive Traits: Caring, nurturing, protective, supportive, artistic.
Challenges: Can be overbearing, self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
Life Path Meaning: A role centered around caregiving, relationships, and artistic pursuits.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 3 - The communicator.
Traits: Creative, expressive, social, optimistic.
Strengths: Charismatic, artistic, talented in communication and writing.
Challenges: Can be scattered, superficial, or struggle with discipline.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Venus - Love, Beauty, Harmony.
Venus rules love, beauty, and relationships, making names influenced by this planet exude charm, grace, and artistic sensibilities. Those with Venus-ruled names are often aesthetically inclined, diplomatic, and naturally attractive in their demeanor. They appreciate harmony in their surroundings and relationships, often seeking balance and fairness in all aspects of life.
Name days: Name Dorothy
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 USA | February | 6 | Amanda, Dolly, Dora, Doreen, Dorothea, Dorothy, Dorthy, Dottie, Manda, Mandi, Mandy, Ron, Rona, Ronald, Ronalda, Ronaldo, Ronnie, Titus |
 Greece | June | 5 | Dorothea, Dorotheos, Dorothy, Selene |
 Ukraine | June | 5 | Dora, Dorothea, Dorothy, Ihor |
Dorothy’s Enduring Legacy and Charm
Dorothy, a name steeped in history and tradition, has experienced fluctuations in popularity while retaining its inherent charm. Its feminine identity is firmly established, and its mood evokes a sense of classic elegance and gentle strength. The name’s origins reveal a foundation of virtue and resilience. The observance of Dorothy’s name day in various cultures adds another layer of significance to this timeless name. Ultimately, Dorothy remains a beautiful and meaningful choice, carrying a legacy of warmth and grace.
When Is Your Name Day?
Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!
