Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Dorcas
GirlGreek· “gazelle”
- Meaning
- gazelle
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- DAWR-kuhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #4,002
- US babies 2025
- 36
- Best rank
- #522 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1923
Meaning and origin of Dorcas
Dorcas is a Greek name that means “gazelle”.
Dorcas is a Greek name meaning gazelle. In the Book of Acts, Dorcas, also called by the Aramaic name Tabitha, is a disciple in Joppa known for good works and charity, whom the apostle Peter raises from the dead. Because of her example, the name became linked with charitable sewing groups in the nineteenth century, called Dorcas societies. It was used by Puritans and later in England and America. It is said DAWR-kuhs. Today Dorcas is rare, and the English word dork gives some parents pause. It sits among other uncommon biblical names such as Keturah and Tabitha.
Popularity over time
Dorcas has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 67 different years. Its best national rank was #522 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1923, when 142 were named Dorcas. In 2025, 36 babies were named Dorcas, and it ranked #4,002 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #644 in 1920, #1,091 in 1950, #2,255 in 1980, #4,443 in 2000, #6,242 in 2010, and #4,002 in 2025. Of the 7,268 US girls named Dorcas since records began, 17% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 886 babies. Since 2010, 420 more have been named Dorcas.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Annamae, Aletha, Leonora, Albertha, and Ouida.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dorcas ranked highest in Iowa.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | #595 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Dorcas is usually pronounced DAWR-kuhs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-as”.
Middle names for Dorcas
A few middle names that flow with Dorcas: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dorcas
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Lists that include Dorcas
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dorcas mean?
Dorcas is a Greek name that means “gazelle”.
What is the origin of the name Dorcas?
Dorcas has Greek roots. Dorcas is a Greek name meaning gazelle.
Is Dorcas a popular name?
Not especially. Dorcas ranked #4,002 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Dorcas a boy or girl name?
Dorcas is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Dorcas?
Dorcas is usually pronounced DAWR-kuhs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings