Dorothée – Name Meaning
The name Dorothée is of French origin and is derived from the Greek name “Dorothea”, which means “gift of God”. It is a popular name in France, where it has been used since the Middle Ages. The name has also been used in other countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United States.
History and Origin
The name Dorothée is believed to have originated from the Greek goddess of hunting and childbirth, Dorothea. In Greek mythology, she was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. She was known for her beauty and grace, and was often depicted with a bow and arrow. Her name translates to “gift of God” or “God’s gift”.
The name Dorothée first appeared in France during the Middle Ages. It was popularized by the French writer Honoré de Balzac who wrote a novel about a woman named Dorothée in 1834. Since then, it has become a popular name in France.
Popularity
Dorothée is a popular name in France, where it ranks among the top 100 names for girls. It is also popular in other countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United States. In the United States, it ranked at #1,845 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby girl names in 2019.
Famous People Named Dorothée
There are several famous people who have been given the name Dorothée. These include:
- Dorothée Gilbert – French ballet dancer
- Dorothée Pousséo – French actress
- Dorothée Berryman – Canadian actress
- Dorothée Munyaneza – Rwandan singer-songwriter
Variations of the Name
The name Dorothée can be shortened to Dora or Dorothy. Other variations include: Doreen, Dori, Doretta, Dorette, Dorene, Dorella.