Dotti

♀ Girl

Pronounced DOT-ee /ˈdɒt.i/Low

Meaning: Dotti is an affectionate short form of Dorothy, reached through the nickname Dot and given here its own spelling. Dorothy comes from the Greek Dorothea, joining doron, 'gift,' with theos, 'God,' for the meaning 'gift of God.'Low

In 30 seconds: Dotti is a pet form of Dorothy, from the Greek for 'gift of God.' A cheerful mid-century nickname-name, it is said DOT-ee.

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Origin LowGreek

MeaningDotti is an affectionate short form of Dorothy, reached through the nickname Dot and given here its own spelling. Dorothy comes from the Greek Dorothea, joining doron, 'gift,' with theos, 'God,' for the meaning 'gift of God.'

U.S. rank (2023)#15805 ↗ Rising

2023 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1958

Total births (all-time)≈ 208

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

Dotti grew out of Dot, the old pet form of Dorothy, and the 'gift of God' meaning comes straight from that Greek parent, Dorothea. Given on its own, the -i spelling gives Dotti the bright, informal charm typical of mid-century nickname names.

It was never common as a formal name, given to only about fifteen girls a year at its peak around 1958, when the stately Dorothy was already easing out of fashion. Dotti caught the moment's taste for friendly, casual short forms.

Did you know? A girl named Dotti around its peak in 1958 is now a grandmother, from the era when breezy nickname spellings like Dotti, Bobbi, and Cathi were fashionable birth names.

Overall data confidence 35%

References - Dotti — Pet form of Dorothy (Greek 'gift of God'); mid-century nickname-name.

Variations

DottieDottyDorothy

Nicknames

DotDottie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Dotti…

Dottie— a like spelling of the same pet form

Dorothy— the parent name Dotti shortens

Dot— the base nickname behind it

Dodie— a comparable cozy nickname-name

Explore names like Dotti

By themerare vintage greek nickname-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dotti mean?

It is a pet form of Dorothy, from the Greek Dorothea, 'gift of God' - doron, 'gift,' and theos, 'God.'

How do you pronounce Dotti?

It is said DOT-ee /ˈdɒt.i/ - two syllables.

Is Dotti a boy or girl name?

Dotti is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Dotti?

It was always rare as a formal name, given to only about fifteen girls a year around its peak in the late nineteen-fifties.