What does Medora mean and where does it come from?
Medora has its origins in Ancient Greece and is often associated with beauty and giftedness. The name was popularized by Lord Byron in the 19th century and has since found a place in literature and cultural references. While it is less common today, it exudes a classic charm.
Cultural significance
Medora has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #744 in 1885 — currently #16775 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Medora?
Medora works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Medora Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Medora Rose
Floral · soft ending
Medora Mae
Sweet · timeless
Medora Claire
French influence · crisp
Medora Jane
Literary · strong
Medora Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Medora right now?
Rising fast — up 121 spots — currently #16775 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #16775 | 5 | ▲ up 121 |
| 2022 | #16896 | 5 | ▲ up 132 |
| 2010 | #17028 | 5 | ▼ down 511 |
| 2005 | #16517 | 5 | ▼ down 1433 |
| 2000 | #15084 | 5 | ▼ down 5937 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #9147 | 6 | ▼ down 1102 |
| 1975 | #8045 | 6 | ▼ down 3260 · -45% births |
| 1970 | #4785 | 11 | ▼ down 1688 · -8% births |
| 1950 | #3097 | 12 | ▲ up 159 · +50% births |
| 1940 | #3256 | 8 | ▼ down 483 · -20% births |
| 1935 | #2773 | 10 | ▲ up 116 |
| 1930 | #2889 | 10 | ▼ down 1210 · -60% births |
| 1920 | #1679 | 25 | ▲ up 304 · +56% births |
| 1915 | #1983 | 16 | ▼ down 153 · +100% births |
| 1910 | #1830 | 8 | — |
The story of Medora
Medora has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 742 total births recorded, Medora remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #744 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16775 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Medora in 1885:
Medora by decade
Medora peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 22 | |
| 1890s | 47 | |
| 1900s | 68 | |
| 1910s | 131 | |
| 1920s ★ | 138 | |
| 1930s | 77 | |
| 1940s | 56 | |
| 1950s | 59 | |
| 1960s | 10 | |
| 1970s | 35 | |
| 1980s | 25 | |
| 1990s | 32 | |
| 2000s | 24 | |
| 2010s | 18 | |
💎Medora has only 742 total recorded births since 1885 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Medora?
What names sound and feel like Medora?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Medora also consider these
Common questions about the name Medora
What does the name Medora mean?
Medora means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Medora?
Medora is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Medora?
Medora originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Medora?
Medora is a three-syllable name pronounced M EY0 D 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 Medora?
Medora pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.