Dorothy Small

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Dorothy Small — gift of God
1.1 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Dorothy Small is a name that combines Greek origins. The first name Dorothy is a feminine given name of Greek origin. From the Greek Dorothea (Δωροθέα), meaning "gift of God." The name was reversed to create Theodore (God's gift). The surname Small: Small is an English and Scottish surname, originally used as a nickname for a person of small stature or slender build. The name is widespread across the English-speaking world, and was sometimes adopted as an anglicised form of names with similar etymologies from other languages, including Beag in Irish, Klein and Schmal in German, Mały in Polish, and Malý in Czech and Slovak. It shares an etymology with the English surname Smallman, and has a similar etymology to the surname Smallbone, which was a nickname for a person with short or thin legs. Dorothy is one of the most widespread first names worldwide, carried by approximately 1.1 million people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Dorothy reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Dorothy

Meaning: gift of God

Greek

From the Greek Dorothea (Δωροθέα), meaning "gift of God." The name was reversed to create Theodore (God's gift).

Surname: Small

Irish

Small is an English and Scottish surname, originally used as a nickname for a person of small stature or slender build. The name is widespread across the English-speaking world, and was sometimes adopted as an anglicised form of names with similar etymologies from other languages, including Beag in Irish, Klein and Schmal in German, Mały in Polish, and Malý in Czech and Slovak. It shares an etymology with the English surname Smallman, and has a similar etymology to the surname Smallbone, which was a nickname for a person with short or thin legs.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Dorothy is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 22%
Australia 10%
Greece 8%
Canada 10%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Dorothy by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Dorothy Small:

9
Expression Number

Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.

4
Soul Urge Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

5
Personality Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Dorothy?
The first name Dorothy originates from Greek. From the Greek Dorothea (Δωροθέα), meaning "gift of God." The name was reversed to create Theodore (God's gift).
When was Dorothy most popular?
The name Dorothy reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Small?
The surname Small originates from Irish. Small is an English and Scottish surname, originally used as a nickname for a person of small stature or slender build. The name is widespread across the English-speaking world, and was sometimes adopted as an anglicised form of names with similar etymologies from other languages, including Beag in Irish, Klein and Schmal in German, Mały in Polish, and Malý in Czech and Slovak. It shares an etymology with the English surname Smallman, and has a similar etymology to the surname Smallbone, which was a nickname for a person with short or thin legs.
What are the origins of the name Dorothy Small?
The name Dorothy Small combines two different traditions: the first name Dorothy has Greek roots, while the surname Small originates from Irish.
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