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Dorian

♂ Boy

Pronounced DOR-ee-an /ˈdɔːr.i.ən/High

Meaning: From Latin Dorianus, derived from Greek Dorios meaning 'of the Dorians,' an ancient Greek people; also linked to the place name Doris in central Greece; given cultural immortality by Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian GrayHigh

In 30 seconds: Dorian is a sleek Greek name meaning 'of the Dorians,' made immortal by Wilde's portrait of eternal youth. It balances classical scholarship with a mysterious literary edge.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningFrom Latin Dorianus, derived from Greek Dorios meaning 'of the Dorians,' an ancient Greek people; also linked to the place name Doris in central Greece; given cultural immortality by Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray
U.S. rank (2025)#539 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births557 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2008
Total births (all-time)≈ 24,184

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200819152025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Dorian derives from Greek Dōrios, meaning 'of the Dorians' — the ancient Greek people known for their austere culture and the Doric architectural order. The Dorians settled the Peloponnese around 1100 BCE and gave their name to Doric columns, Doris (a region in central Greece), and eventually to the personal name. The name entered literary consciousness through Oscar Wilde, who may have chosen it for its aesthetic sound as much as its classical heritage.

Dorian has been in use as a given name in English-speaking countries since at least the late 19th century, largely due to Wilde's novel. It gained popularity in the United States through the 20th century and now ranks in the top 300 for boys. It is occasionally used for girls as well. Its three-syllable structure, literary credentials, and slightly mysterious air make it appealing to parents seeking names with intellectual depth.

Did you know? Oscar Wilde's 1890 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray — in which a young man's portrait ages while he remains forever young — is considered one of the defining texts of the Aesthetic Movement and made Dorian a name permanently associated with beauty and moral complexity.
Overall data confidence 91%
Behind the Name — Dorian — etymology and literary historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DorionDorien

Nicknames

DoriIan

Famous Bearers

  • ★Dorian Gray (fictional)
    The protagonist of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, whose portrait ages while he remains eternally young.

If you like Dorian…

Damian— shares the three-syllable Greek classical structure and the same sophisticated literary air
Fabian— another three-syllable Latin/Greek-rooted name with the same elegant, intellectual feel
Roman— classical ancient-world two-syllable name with the same cool, understated prestige
Lucian— three-syllable Latin classical name with the same mysterious, refined character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Dorian mean?

Dorian comes from Greek Dōrios meaning 'of the Dorians,' an ancient Greek people. It was made famous by Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray.

How do you pronounce Dorian?

It is said DOR-ee-an — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Dorian a boy or girl name?

Dorian is used primarily as a boys' name, though it occasionally appears for girls.

How popular is Dorian?

Dorian ranks in the U.S. top 300 for boys and has been rising steadily, favored for its literary heritage and sophisticated sound.