Dorothy

In the Christian tradition

Dorothy is the Greek "gift of God," etymologically the feminine equivalent of Theodore but with the same Greek roots arranged in reverse order. The legendary Saint Dorothy of Caesarea (fourth century) is the figure traditionally associated with the name; the Saint Dorothy of Montau (1347-1394) is the historical Catholic mystic carrying the name. The name has been in continuous Christian use; modern English-speaking Christian families use it widely.

The Greek meaning "gift of God" makes Dorothy one of the most theologically resonant Christian names; the same Greek roots in different order give us Theodore. The legendary Saint Dorothy of Caesarea (fourth century) is the traditional figure for the name, though her historical existence is doubtful. Saint Dorothy of Montau (1347-1394) is a historical Catholic mystic of Prussia. The name has been in continuous Christian use; modern English-speaking Christian families use it freely, often choosing it for its meaning as much as for the saint.