Dora

Origin

Derived from the Greek name Δωροθέα (Dōrothea), meaning 'gift of God' (from δῶρον, dōron, 'gift', and θεός, theos, 'god'). The name became popular in Christian Europe due to saints and religious figures, and was later adopted in Australia through British and European influence. No significant Aboriginal or Māori roots are associated with this name.

Meaning

Literal translation 'gift of God'; in Australian English, it retains its connotation of a cherished, treasured gift or blessing, often associated with kindness and generosity.

Pronunciation

' /ˈdɔːrə/ (Standard Australian pronunciation) } 0-9, Rarely used for males today.','linguistic_adaptability':'Dora easily crosses language boundaries, with equivalents like Dorothea (German, French), Dore (Italian), and Dóra (Hungarian, Icelandic).','aesthetic':'Simple, symmetrical, and balanced visually; the name appears friendly and approachable, popular in various familial and formal contexts.','numerological':'Name number 7 — associated with thoughtfulness, introspection, and a spiritual dimension, aligning with nurturing traits.','astrological':'Linked to Virgo, indicating precision, practicality, and caring disposition.','is_aboriginal':false,'is_maori':false}} 0.0

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 3 February (Feast of Saint Dorothea)
• 9 April (Orthodox Feast of Saint Dorothea)
• 20 July (commemoration day in some Christian communities)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with dora:

• Charlotte and Dora
• Ella and Dora','Lily and Dora
• Emily and Dora'],'
• fun_facts':['The name Dora saw varying popularity in Australia, peaking in the early 20th century and experiencing a resurgence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries due to popular culture references (e.g., animated series
• Dora the Explorer
• ).','Dora was a common name for Australian pioneer women in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often given to daughters with hopes of a blessed, fortunate life.','Several Australian towns and landmarks have been named after women named Dora, reflecting the name’s regional historical significance.'],
• popularity':'Ranked within the top 50 female names in Australia during the 1910s-1930s, with fluctuating interest post-1950s and resurgence in the 2000s to present, currently around position 40 in recent statistics.
• gender_association':'Predominantly female, though historically used for boys as well in some regions, now largely identified as feminine in Australia.','phonetic':'/ˈdɔːrə/ (Australian English pronunciation, with emphasis on the first syllable).','variants':['Dorah','Dorothea','Doraena','Doretta'],'diminutives':['Dory','Dorrie','Dora'],'historical_context':'Famous Australian bearer: Dora Islington (pioneer and community organiser). Literary: Dora Spenlow in Charles Dickens Oliver Twist (though British, popular in Australia). Cultural: 'Dora the Explorer' has made the name very popular among a new generation of Australian children.','geography':'More prevalent in Victoria and New South Wales due to historical settlement patterns; less common in Queensland and Western Australia.','traits':['Kind','Gentle','Caring','Optimistic','Loyal'],'famous':['Dora Spenlow (Literary character)','Dora the Explorer (Children’s TV character)','Dora Granados (Australian singer and performer)'],'linguistic_adaptability':'The name is quite adaptable, with equivalents in other languages such as Dorothea in German and French, Dore in Italian, and Dóra in Hungarian and Icelandic contexts, though less common in Australia.','aesthetic':'Simple, classic, and symmetrical, with a rounded, friendly appearance both visually and phonetically, appealing in informal and formal contexts.','numerological':'Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking.','astrological':'Linked to the zodiac sign Virgo (born 23 August – 22 September), reflecting traits of practicality and service, aligning with the name’s association with kindness and nurturing.','is_aboriginal':false,'is_maori':false}} Whitesite. A comprehensive, culturally sensitive profile of the name Dora in Australia reflecting historical, cultural, and linguistic phenomena.}

Fun Facts

• The name Dora saw varying popularity in Australia, peaking in the early 20th century, notably among pioneer families and in rural communities.
• In modern times, 'Dora' experienced a resurgence due to international media, such as the children's character 'Dora the Explorer', which became adored in Australian households.
• Historically, 'Dora' was among the names chosen for early Australian settlers' daughters, often reflecting a hope for a blessed life.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name dora:

• Kind-hearted
• Gentle
• Loyal
• Optimistic

Aesthetic Qualities

Appeals due to its symmetry, gentle sound, and timeless simplicity, preferred for its warm and friendly vibe in Australian naming conventions.','numerological':'Name number 7, associated with introspective, analytical, and spiritual qualities, adding a layer of perceptiveness and depth to its bearer.','astrological':'Connected to Virgo, emphasizing qualities like attention to detail, caring nature, and service.','is_aboriginal':false,'is_maori':false} 0.0

Geographical Distribution

More prevalent in Victoria and New South Wales, areas with historical European settlement, but generally widespread across Australia due to cultural exposure.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7, associated with introspection, analytical skills, and spiritual insight. This suggests a person with depth, wisdom, and a contemplative nature.

Astrological Connections

Connected to Virgo, indicating traits like practicality, attention to detail, and a caring personality, aligning with the nurturing connotations of the name.

Historical Context

Famous Australian bearer: Dora Spenlow (literary); associated with pioneers and cultural references, reinforcing its classic appeal in Australian history.

Linguistic Adaptability

Easily adapted in numerous languages; similar names used in European cultures, maintaining its classic appeal across different contexts worldwide and within Australia.

Famous People Named dora

• Dora the Explorer (Children's TV character)
• Dora Spenlow (Fictional, Victorian literary figure)
• Dora Granados (Australian singer)

Popularity in Australia