Dory

♀ Girl

Pronounced DOR-ee /ˈdɔr.i/High

Meaning: A pet form of Dorothy/Dora/Isidora — from the Greek, 'gift of God/gift'; also linked to 'golden' (Hebrew dor); used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Gift of God; golden: Dory is a pet form of Dorothy. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes.

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Origin LowGreek

MeaningA pet form of Dorothy/Dora/Isidora — from the Greek, 'gift of God/gift'; also linked to 'golden' (Hebrew dor); used for both sexes; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#9700 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births10 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1964

Total births (all-time)≈ 961

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Dory is a pet form of Dorothy/Dora/Isidora — from the Greek, 'gift of God/gift'; also linked to 'golden' (Hebrew dor); used for both sexes (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name (here for a girl; slug distinguished; said 'DOR-ee').

In the U.S. it appears as a pet/nickname name (a beloved animated fish bears it). Rare, gift-of-God at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Dorothy is Greek for 'gift of God' — Dory is a pet form, crisp and cheerful, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'DOR-ee').

Overall data confidence 30%

References — Dory — nickname; unisex; routes layered

Variations

DorieDoreeDora

Nicknames

Dor

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Dory…

Dora— a source-linked name

Cora— a sound-neighbor -ora girls' name

Tori— a fellow -ori girls' name

Jory— the same unisex feel

Theory— the same unisex feel

Explore names like Dory

By themeuncertain greek unisex nickname-name

By meaningGod / Divine Gift / Blessing Gold

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Dory mean?

Dory is a pet form of Dorothy/Isidora — Greek 'gift of God'; also linked to 'golden'; used for both sexes; here for a girl. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Dory?

It's said DOR-ee /ˈdɔr.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Dory a boy or girl name?

Dory is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Dory?

Dory is a very rare name in the U.S.