Dorothy

Dorothy skips down a yellow brick road in gingham and silver shoes. From the Greek doron, gift, and theos, god, literally gift of God, it was a top-ten American name for much of the early 20th century before drifting into grandmother territory. Now it is back, near 431, on the wings of every vintage revival and a new generation charmed by Judy Garland, Dorothy Parker, and The Golden Girls. Three bright syllables and a nickname parade: Dot, Dottie, Dory, Thea. Dorothy feels plucky and resilient, never syrupy. A name with real personality, the kind that goes looking for Kansas and finds Oz.