What Does the Name Dotty Mean?

The name Dotty is a diminutive of Dorothy, which is derived from the Greek name Dorothea. The meaning of Dorothea is “gift of God” or “God’s gift”. As a diminutive, Dotty carries the same meaning as its parent name.

Dorothy was popularized by the character in L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In the story, Dorothy is a young girl from Kansas who is swept away to the magical Land of Oz. She embarks on an adventure with her companions, including a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion, to find her way back home.

Popularity

Dorothy was one of the most popular names for girls born in the United States between 1910 and 1940. It has since declined in popularity but remains a classic choice for parents today. The diminutive form Dotty has also been used over the years but is not as common.

Famous People Named Dotty

There are several famous people who have gone by the name Dotty, including:

  • Dotty Cotton, an American actress best known for her role as Aunt May in the television series Little House on the Prairie.
  • Dotty McKnight, an American singer-songwriter who released several albums in the 1970s and 1980s.
  • Dotty West, an American country music singer-songwriter who released several albums throughout her career.
  • Dotty Lynch, an American journalist and political analyst who served as senior political editor for CBS News from 1992 to 2005.

Conclusion

The name Dotty is a diminutive form of Dorothy, which means “gift of God” or “God’s gift”. While it has been used over the years, it is not as popular as its parent name. There are several famous people who have gone by this name, including actresses, singers, and journalists.

By Ava Isabella Hartley

Ava Isabella Hartley is a renowned expert in the field of onomastics, the study of names and their meanings, with a particular focus on baby names. She holds a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience in the study of etymology, name trends, and cultural naming practices.

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