Dora

Dora originated as a short form of names containing the Greek element doron, meaning gift, most notably Theodora and Dorothea, both of which combine this root with the name of God. It came into independent use across much of Europe during the nineteenth century, gaining particular popularity in English-speaking countries. The name is associated with the character Dora Spenlow in Charles Dickens's novel David Copperfield, published in 1850, which helped cement its appeal. Related names include Dorothy, Dorothea, Theodora, and Isadora.