Kore

maiden — Associated with Persephone
Greek origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#13461US 2022
5Births / yr
Falling
72All-time births
📅 Since 197700
How to pronounce Kore
KOH·RAY
/ˈkoʊ.ˈreɪ/ · stress on KOH · 2 syllables
maiden
Associated with Persephone · Greek origin

What does Kore mean and where does it come from?

Kore is a name derived from ancient Greek, traditionally meaning 'maiden' or 'daughter'. In Greek mythology, Kore is often associated with Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, symbolizing spring and rebirth. This name has a profound cultural and historical context, often reflecting purity and youthf

Cultural significance
Kore has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #5022 in 1978 — currently #13461 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

How else can you spell Kore?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Kore?

Kore works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Kore Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Kore John
One syllable · timeless choice
Kore Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Kore Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Kore Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Kore Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Kore
Browse ideas →

How popular is Kore right now?

Falling — down 6144 spots — currently #13461 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20052022#13461 · Top 9.9%
2005
2022
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2022#134615▼ down 6144 · -50% births
2005#731710

The story of Kore

Kore is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 72 total births recorded, Kore remains relatively uncommon.

Names that peaked alongside Kore in 1978:

Kore by decade

Kore peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

DecadeBirths
1970s17
1990s22
2000s28
2010s5
💎Kore has only 72 total recorded births since 1977 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kore?

ENGLISH
CorettaCorieCorrie

Famous people named Kore

K(
Kore (ancient philosopher)
Kore bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
K(
Kore (Greek mythological figure)
Kore carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
K(
Kore (Byzantine leader)
Kore used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
K(
Kore (Greek poet or artist)
Kore helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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How is Kore written in other languages?

Κορη
Ancient Greek

Common questions about the name Kore

What does the name Kore mean?
Kore means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Kore?
Kore is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Kore?
Kore originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Kore?
Kore is a two-syllable name pronounced KOH-RAY. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kore a common or rare name?
Kore is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.