Doris (given name)


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.

Usage

As a feminine name, Doris was most popular in the Anglosphere in the late 19th century and early 20th century. 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.

Women

  • Doris, first wife of Herod the Great, 1st century Jewish client king
  • Doris of Locri, wife of Sicilian tyrant Dionysus I of Syracuse and mother of Dionysus II of Syracuse

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y

Z

Stage name

  • Doris D, British singer and dancer Debbie Jenner
  • Doris Day, American singer, actress and animal welfare advocate Doris Kappelhoff
  • Dorsha Hayes, American stage actress and dancer Doris Bentley
  • Doris May, American silent film actress Helen Garrett

Men

Fictional characters