What does Cora mean and where does it come from?
The name Cora has Greek origins related to the goddess Persephone, who was often associated with spring and renewal. It was popular in 18th-century America, especially among female literature characters. The name was also used by authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne in 'The Scarlet Letter'. It has varia
Cultural significance
Cora has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of maiden, daughter.
Peak popularity
Reached #15 in 1880 — currently #113 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cora?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cora?
Cora works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cora Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Cora Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Cora Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Cora Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Cora Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Cora Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Cora right now?
Declining — down 10 spots — currently #113 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #113 | 2,428 | ▼ down 10 · -6% births |
| 2024 | #103 | 2,580 | ▼ down 10 · -6% births |
| 2023 | #93 | 2,749 | ▼ down 18 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #75 | 3,073 | ▲ up 12 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #87 | 3,005 | ▲ up 1 |
| 2020 | #88 | 3,007 | stable · -12% births |
| 2015 | #88 | 3,401 | ▲ up 187 · +182% births |
| 2010 | #275 | 1,205 | ▲ up 177 · +79% births |
| 2005 | #452 | 672 | ▲ up 29 · +19% births |
| 2000 | #481 | 564 | ▲ up 198 · +80% births |
| 1995 | #679 | 313 | ▲ up 176 · +36% births |
| 1990 | #855 | 230 | ▼ down 87 · +4% births |
| 1985 | #768 | 221 | ▲ up 2 · +3% births |
| 1980 | #770 | 214 | ▲ up 5 · +18% births |
| 1975 | #775 | 182 | — |
The story of Cora
Cora has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #15 in 1880. More than 142,466 babies have been named Cora since 1880. Cora shows a classic revival pattern — popular in the 1880s, declining mid-century, then surging back in recent decades. Cora is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cora in 1880:
Cora by decade
Cora peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 12,003 | |
| 1890s | 12,916 | |
| 1900s | 10,411 | |
| 1910s | 15,385 | |
| 1920s | 16,221 | |
| 1930s | 11,326 | |
| 1940s | 8,780 | |
| 1950s | 5,869 | |
| 1960s | 3,400 | |
| 1970s | 2,100 | |
| 1980s | 2,223 | |
| 1990s | 3,322 | |
| 2000s | 7,739 | |
| 2010s ★ | 27,764 | |
| 2020s | 8,015 | |
What are good nicknames for Cora?
ENGLISH
CorettaCorieCorrie
What names sound and feel like Cora?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cora also consider these
How is Cora written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Cora?
Common questions about the name Cora
What does the name Cora mean?
Cora means "maiden, daughter" — a name rooted in English 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 Cora?
Cora is currently ranked #93 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Cora?
Cora originates from English tradition. English 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 Cora?
Cora is a two-syllable name pronounced KAW-ruh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Cora more of a girl or boy name?
Cora is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.