The name Dorothy is of Greek origin and means “Gift of God.”
To those who do not believe in God, this probably won’t mean much.
My strong belief in God, however, makes this name particularly meaningful to me, even if, at times, I have felt it terribly old fashioned for the era in which I live. I have contemplated changing it to something more hip many times, and considered shortened versions, but they just don’t want to stick.
When I was a little girl of three my parents and I were visiting San Francisco Zoo. Apparently, towards the end of our visit, I got quite tired of walking and turned to my father, looked up and said, “Poor Dofy …”. I was carried the rest of the way. Occasionally a family member might address me affectionately by this name. Very occasionally.
I will not tolerate Dot or Dotty.
I am told, by my mother, that I was named after my godmother (ironically enough), someone with whom I am still in occasional contact, though we are not close.
Dorothy is also easily translated into Hungarian (Dorotya) and as half my heritage originates in that country it stands to reason that my name might have some link to that culture. However, I am not aware of any of my female Hungarian ancestors having that name, nor that my parents had this in mind, particularly, when considering my moniker.
Coincidentally (or not), my middle name, Elizabeth, Hebrew in origin, means “God’s Promise.” (Hungarian: Erzebet.)
The inspiration: Queen Elizabeth.
I have tried to adapt this into a nickname as well but again, nothing sticks.
I am Dorothy, through and through. This name reflects my deep and abiding faith in a power greater than I that has, through all my life’s ups and downs, been my rock.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
~*~
Thanks for visiting …
Dorothy
Daily Prompt: Name that … You!
©Dorothy Chiotti, Aimwell CreativeWorks 2013
Shedding Light on the Family Tree 
Now this is strange. My name is Dorothy too. And half of my heritage is Hungarian! I had no idea about the Dorotya and having a Hungarian connection.
How cool is that! … Small world. 😉 … I researched my family tree and saw Dorotya noted many times in the Catholic birth registers (though, like I say, do not recall if any were related to me.) Another variation is Dorita. … Thanks for stopping by …
I am finding so many Hungarians via blogging. I had no idea there were so many of us. Do we all have a desire to write or have I just realized my muse is also Hungarian and keeps bringing those with a familiar feel into my life.
Thanks for your comment, Charly. … I don’t usually refer to my Hungarian heritage because, frankly, I am not all that familiar with it and what I do know is not all that positive. Having said that, my father (born of Hungarian immigrants in southern Alberta), from whom I am estranged, was a passionate soul ~ a writer and creative sort who always had some kind of project on the go. … I’d like to create a more positive connection to my Hungarian roots but am not sure how to go about it except, perhaps, to visit Budapest one day and obtain a fresh creative perspective. Visiting Prague, Sarajevo and Vienna are as close as I’m come. It has helped. … Or, perhaps, building an online community of Hungarian creative types of a similar mind-set might be useful. 😉 … Everything unfolds as it should. Thanks for stopping by. … Dorotya 😉
Dorothy is a lovely name 🙂
Thank you, Peter. I am learning this. 😉 …