Dorofei is a Russian masculine given name, serving as an alternate transcription of Дорофей (see Dorofey). Dorofey itself is the Russian form of the Greek name Dorotheos, which is also the source of the feminine name Dorothea. Etymology and Meaning The name Dorotheos derives from the Greek elements δῶρον (doron) meaning "gift" and θεός (theos) meaning "god," thus the overall meaning is "gift of god." The male form Dorotheos (and its Latinized variant Dorotheus) was used in the early Christian era, while the feminine Dorothea became widespread through saintly veneration. The name Theodore shares the same components in reverse order (“god’s gift”). Historical and Cultural Context In the Russian tradition, Dorofei entered the calendar through Byzantine influence and was often borne by clergy and monastics. The name’s saintly associations include Dorotheus of Tyre (3rd-4th century martyr) and Dorotheus of Gaza (6th-century abbot). However, in modern Russia, Dorofei is uncommon, reserved largely for traditional or religious families. Notable Bearer In contemporary times, the most famous Dorofei is not a person but a cat: a Neva Masquerade (Siberian breed) owned by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his wife Svetlana Medvedeva. Born in 2004, the blue-eyed cat rose to the status of First Pet when Medvedev was inaugurated in May 2008, succeeding Vladimir Putin’s labrador Koni. Dorofei was bred in Moscow and purchased as a kitten by Svetlana Medvedeva. The feline’s life briefly attracted media attention, including a reported scuffle with a cat belonging to Mikhail Gorbachev, which Dorofei lost, requiring a month of antibiotics. Dorofei passed away in 2014. Meaning: “gift of god” (from Greek doron + theos) Origin: Russian transcription of Greek Dorotheos Type: First name (male) Usage: Russian, albeit rare