What does Aurora mean and where does it come from?
The name Aurora comes from the Latin word for 'dawn' and symbolizes new beginnings and light. In Roman mythology, Aurora was the goddess of dawn, known for bringing the new day. The name has been used since the Renaissance and became popular in the 19th century. In modern times, it is widely used ac
Cultural significance
Aurora has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dawn.
Peak popularity
Reached #36 in 2020 — currently #22 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Aurora?
Aurora works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Aurora Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Aurora Rose
Floral · soft ending
Aurora Mae
Sweet · timeless
Aurora Claire
French influence · crisp
Aurora Jane
Literary · strong
Aurora Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Aurora right now?
Rising — up 9 spots — currently #22 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #22 | 6,080 | ▲ up 9 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #31 | 5,998 | ▲ up 4 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #35 | 5,525 | ▲ up 1 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #36 | 5,184 | ▲ up 42 · +42% births |
| 2015 | #78 | 3,642 | ▲ up 125 · +139% births |
| 2010 | #203 | 1,527 | ▲ up 133 · +61% births |
| 2005 | #336 | 951 | ▲ up 152 · +71% births |
| 2000 | #488 | 557 | ▲ up 171 · +72% births |
| 1995 | #659 | 324 | ▲ up 56 · +11% births |
| 1990 | #715 | 293 | ▲ up 80 · +40% births |
| 1985 | #795 | 209 | ▼ down 2 · +1% births |
| 1980 | #793 | 207 | ▼ down 5 · +16% births |
| 1975 | #788 | 178 | ▲ up 44 · +9% births |
| 1970 | #832 | 164 | ▼ down 82 · -8% births |
| 1965 | #750 | 178 | — |
The story of Aurora
Aurora has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #36 in 2020. A total of 67,309 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #750 in 1880 to #22 in 2023. Aurora is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Aurora in 2020:
Aurora by decade
Aurora peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 85 | |
| 1890s | 161 | |
| 1900s | 354 | |
| 1910s | 1,389 | |
| 1920s | 3,342 | |
| 1930s | 2,213 | |
| 1940s | 2,031 | |
| 1950s | 1,781 | |
| 1960s | 1,614 | |
| 1970s | 1,754 | |
| 1980s | 2,232 | |
| 1990s | 3,698 | |
| 2000s | 9,448 | |
| 2010s ★ | 32,018 | |
| 2020s | 5,189 | |
What are good nicknames for Aurora?
Famous people named Aurora
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Aurora (Roman goddess)
Roman goddess of the dawn who would fly across the sky each morning to announce the sun's rising
PA
Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
Disney's Sleeping Beauty princess, whose name helped launch a wave of aurora popularity in the 2010s
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Aurora Aksnes
Norwegian singer-songwriter known for Runaway and her ethereal, otherworldly musical style
A(
Aurora (Northern Lights)
The Aurora Borealis, named after the Roman goddess, is one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles
AP
Aurora Perrineau
American actress known for Jem and the Holograms and Truth Be Told
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Aurora?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Aurora also consider these
How is Aurora written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Aurora
What does the name Aurora mean?
Aurora means "dawn" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Aurora?
Aurora is currently ranked #22 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Aurora?
Aurora originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Aurora?
Aurora is a three-syllable name pronounced ER0 AO1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Aurora?
Aurora pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.