Doreen

Doreen is a feminine given name, commonly used in English-speaking countries. It is typically a shortened form of Dorothea, which originates from the Greek name Dorothea, formed from doron meaning "gift" and theos meaning "god," yielding the meaning "gift of God." Doreen can also be used as a standalone given name.

In usage, Doreen gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and remained common through the mid-20th century. It is now less frequent but still in use. Variants and diminutives include Dori, Dorie, and Dorrie; Doris is sometimes used but is a distinct name.

Notable people named Doreen include Doreen Massey, a British geographer; Doreen Valiente, a Wiccan author and witch; Doreen Carwithen, an English composer; and Doreen Virtue, an American author and spiritual teacher. The name has appeared across various fields without a single defining association.

Places named Doreen include Doreen, Victoria, a town in Australia. The name’s use as a personal name is more common than as a geographic designation, but it does appear in place names in English-speaking regions.

Related names include Dorothea and Dorothy, from which Doreen is often derived or connected. The name carries a traditional, historical presence in naming practices and remains a recognizable option in contemporary contexts.