Dora
Fact sheet
- Name
- Dora
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Dora is a female first name that is used as a short form for Dorothea and Theodora. The meaning of the name is 'gift of God' and comes from the ancient Greek words dôron for 'gift' and theós for 'God'.
What does the name Dora mean?
The name Dora serves as a short form for Dorothea and Theodora. Its meaning 'gift of God' derives from the ancient Greek words dôron for 'gift' and theós for 'God'. Worldwide, Dora is a widely used first name. It is particularly common in English-speaking areas, while it has seen a decline in popularity in German-speaking countries since the mid-20th century. Notable bearers of the name include the German author Dora Heldt and the French photographer and muse of Picasso, Dora Maar. Derived forms include Dorina and the diminutive Dorita.
Where does the name Dora come from?
Dora is a female first name with ancient Greek roots, meaning 'gift of God'.
How do you pronounce Dora?
The pronunciation of the name Dora is two syllables and soft. In German, it is usually pronounced as 'Do-ra' [ˈdoːʁa], with the first syllable stressed and a long 'o'. The open 'a' at the end provides a harmonious sound. Dora conveys a friendly and classic impression - harmonious, calm, and present.
When is the name day of Dora?
The name day for Dora, in its function as a short form of Dorothea, is celebrated on February 6 and June 25, while the name day for the short form of Theodora falls on February 11, April 28, and August 29.
Popularity
In the late 19th century, the name Dora was part of the extended top group in Germany. In 1889, it reached a top 20 ranking at position 18. Between 1894 and 1906, the name mostly ranked within the top 25 to 45, including position 33 in 1900 and position 34 in 1903. Until 1915, it was regularly found among the top 50. From the 1920s to the 1950s, Dora mostly ranked between positions 50 and 95.
Nicknames & pet names
Do / Doralie / Dori / Dorienchen / Dorita / Dörchen
Similar first names
Famous people
- Amy Dora Reynolds (British writer)
- Dora Altmann (Bavarian folk actress)
- Dora Antal (water polo player from Hungary)
- Dora Askowith (American historian)
- Dora Beregi (Hungarian table tennis player)
- Dora Birtles (German writer)
- Dora Boneva (Bulgarian artist)
- Dora Boothby (British tennis player)
- Dora Carrington (British painter)
- Dora D'Istria (Albanian writer)
- Dora Diamant (wife of Franz Kafka)
- Dora Doll (French actress)
- Dora Dueck (writer from Canada)
- Dora Elizabeth Burchill (writer from the USA)
- Dora Heldt (pseudonym of author Bärbel Schmidt)
- Dora Kallmus (Austrian photographer, (Madame d'Ora))
- Dora Komar (film and opera star of the 1930s and 1940s)
- Dora Koster (Swiss writer)
- Dora Maar (photographer)
- Dora Malech (American writer)
Frequently asked questions about the name Dora
What does the name Dora mean?
The name Dora means 'gift of God' and has its roots in ancient Greek. It is composed of the words for 'gift' and 'God'.
Is Dora a typical girl's name?
Yes, Dora is a traditional girl's name and is used in many cultures.
What nicknames are there for Dora?
Common nicknames for Dora include Do, Dori, Dörchen, and Dorita.
How is the name Dora pronounced?
Dora is usually pronounced as 'Doh-rah', with the 'o' sounding like in 'so'.