The name Doris originates from the Greek name Δωρίς (Doris), meaning 'Dorian woman'. The Dorians were a significant Greek tribe that settled in the Peloponnese starting in the 12th century BC. In Greek mythology, Doris was a sea nymph, one of the numerous offspring of Oceanus and Tethys. The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the 19th century.