What does Leora mean and where does it come from?
Leora is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word 'אור' (or) meaning 'light.' It has been used since at least the 20th century. The name gained some popularity in the United States and is often associated with brightness and warmth. Notable people named Leora include Leora Tanenbaum, who is a
Cultural significance
Leora has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of light.
Peak popularity
Reached #301 in 1880 — currently #1518 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Leora?
Leora works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leora Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leora Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leora Mae
Sweet · timeless
Leora Claire
French influence · crisp
Leora Jane
Literary · strong
Leora Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leora right now?
Holding steady — currently #1518 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1518 | 682 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1523 | 662 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1528 | 632 | ▲ up 288 · +491% births |
| 2020 | #1816 | 107 | ▲ up 373 · +24% births |
| 2015 | #2189 | 86 | ▲ up 258 · +13% births |
| 2010 | #2447 | 76 | ▲ up 1137 · +85% births |
| 2005 | #3584 | 41 | ▼ down 954 · -27% births |
| 2000 | #2630 | 56 | ▲ up 522 · +56% births |
| 1995 | #3152 | 36 | ▼ down 414 · -14% births |
| 1990 | #2738 | 42 | ▼ down 34 · +20% births |
| 1985 | #2704 | 35 | ▼ down 456 · -20% births |
| 1980 | #2248 | 44 | ▲ up 74 · +26% births |
| 1975 | #2322 | 35 | ▼ down 52 · +3% births |
| 1970 | #2270 | 34 | ▼ down 782 · -39% births |
| 1965 | #1488 | 56 | — |
The story of Leora
Leora has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 11,448 babies have received this name. Once ranked #301 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1518 in 2023. Leora is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Leora in 1880:
Leora by decade
Leora peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 288 | |
| 1890s | 528 | |
| 1900s | 769 | |
| 1910s | 1,852 | |
| 1920s ★ | 2,165 | |
| 1930s | 1,304 | |
| 1940s | 828 | |
| 1950s | 647 | |
| 1960s | 468 | |
| 1970s | 333 | |
| 1980s | 400 | |
| 1990s | 379 | |
| 2000s | 522 | |
| 2010s | 858 | |
| 2020s | 107 | |
What are good nicknames for Leora?
Famous people named Leora
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Leora (historical community leader)
Leora led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Leora?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leora also consider these
Common questions about the name Leora
What does the name Leora mean?
Leora means "light" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Leora?
Leora 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 Leora?
Leora originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Leora?
Leora is a two-syllable name pronounced L EH1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Leora a common or rare name?
Leora is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.