Doris is a predominantly feminine given name of Greek origin meaning Dorian woman. The name of the ethnic group is said to be derived from the name of the mythical founder Dorus, taken from Greek dōron, meaning gift. Doris was a sea goddess, wife of Nereus and mother of the Nereids in Greek mythology.[1]

Doris
The Nereides by Gaston Bussière. Doris was the mother of the Nereids, one of whom was also named Doris in Greek mythology.
GenderFemale
Language(s)Greek
Origin
MeaningDorian woman, gift
Other names
Related namesDorice, Dorise, Dorris, Dorys, Doryse, Dorrys
Doris, Daughter of The Artist by Friedrich August von Kaulbach, 1901
American actress Doris Day

Usage edit

As a feminine name, Doris was most popular in the Anglosphere in the late 19th century and early 20th century.[1] It has also been particularly well used in German-speaking countries. The name is also in rare use as a male name. Doris and its spelling variant Dorris is also in use as a surname with different origins than the female given name.

Given name edit

Women edit

Men edit

  • Doris Kelenc (born 1986), Slovenian-born footballer in Austria
  • Doris Lussier (1918–1993), French Canadian comedian and actor, and political activist
  • Doris Leon "D.L." Menard (1932–2017), American songwriter, performer, and recording artist in contemporary Cajun music
  • Doris Miller (1919–1943), U.S. Navy sailor

Fictional characters edit

  • Doris, fictional character in the Canadian television series Caillou and the mother of the titular character
  • Doris the Ugly Stepsister, fictional character from the Shrek film series

See also edit

  • Doris D, stage name of British singer and dancer Debbie Jenner (born 1959)
  • Doris May, stage name of American silent film actress Helen Garrett (1902–1984)

Notes edit

  1. ^ a b Hanks, Patrick; Hardcastle, Kate; Hodges, Flavia (2006). Oxford Dictionary of First Names. Oxford University Press. p. 79. ISBN 0-19-861060-2.