Dorothy

Dorothy is a common given name for females. It is of Greek origin, meaning "gift of God." The name has been popular in various cultures and has been borne by many notable individuals throughout history.

Etymology

The name Dorothy is derived from the Greek name Δωροθέα (Dōrothéa), which is composed of the elements δῶρον (dōron), meaning "gift," and θεός (theós), meaning "god." The name was popularized in the English-speaking world by the Christian saint Dorothea of Caesarea.

Notable People Named Dorothy

• Dorothy Parker (1893–1967) - An American poet, writer, critic, and satirist known for her wit and sharp commentary.
• Dorothy Dandridge (1922–1965) - An American actress and singer, and the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
• Dorothy Hodgkin (1910–1994) - A British chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964 for her work on the structure of important biochemical substances.
• Dorothy Day (1897–1980) - An American journalist, social activist, and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement.

Fictional Characters

• Dorothy Gale - The protagonist of L. Frank Baum's classic children's novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its subsequent adaptations.
• Dorothy Zbornak - A character from the American television sitcom The Golden Girls, portrayed by Bea Arthur.

Cultural Impact

The name Dorothy has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. It often symbolizes innocence, curiosity, and a sense of adventure, as exemplified by the character Dorothy Gale in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Related Pages

• Given name
• Dorothea of Caesarea
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
• Dorothy Parker
• Dorothy Dandridge
• Dorothy Hodgkin
• Dorothy Day
• Dorothy Gale
• The Golden Girls