Doretha

Doretha is a feminine given name that appears to be a variant spelling of Dorothea, which has ancient Greek origins. The name derives from the elements 'doron' meaning 'gift' and 'theos' meaning 'god,' thus translating to 'gift of God.' Dorothea has a long history dating back to early Christianity, with Saint Dorothea being a 4th-century martyr. The Doretha variant emerged primarily in American usage during the early to mid-20th century, with peak popularity in the 1920s through the 1940s. This spelling variation exemplifies a common pattern in American naming practices where traditional names were adapted with slightly different spellings. Usage data shows that while the name was moderately popular during the mid-20th century, it has become less common in recent decades, following the pattern of many traditional names that cycle through popularity.

Pronounced dor-ETH-uh.

As of October 2026, Doretha ranked #14823 for girls in US births in 1998 SSA, peaked at #502 for girls in 1932.