What does Nora mean and where does it come from?
Nora is often considered a diminutive of Eleanor or Norah. It has its origins in Ireland, with roots also found in Latin and Greek. The name gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in the United States and Ireland, and has become a timeless classic. Notable figures include Nora Ephron (s
Cultural significance
Nora has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of honor.
Peak popularity
Reached #28 in 2017 — currently #24 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Nora?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Nora?
Nora works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Nora Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Nora Rose
Floral · soft ending
Nora Claire
French influence · crisp
Nora Jane
Literary · strong
Nora Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Nora right now?
Holding steady — currently #24 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #24 | 6,020 | ▲ up 4 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #28 | 6,146 | ▼ down 1 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #27 | 6,276 | ▲ up 3 · +13% births |
| 2020 | #30 | 5,550 | ▲ up 11 · +4% births |
| 2015 | #41 | 5,323 | ▲ up 118 · +175% births |
| 2010 | #159 | 1,937 | ▲ up 116 · +62% births |
| 2005 | #275 | 1,197 | ▲ up 225 · +122% births |
| 2000 | #500 | 539 | ▼ down 37 · -1% births |
| 1995 | #463 | 545 | ▼ down 32 · -7% births |
| 1990 | #431 | 586 | ▼ down 18 · +8% births |
| 1985 | #413 | 541 | ▼ down 13 · -5% births |
| 1980 | #400 | 569 | ▼ down 23 · +3% births |
| 1975 | #377 | 552 | ▼ down 11 · -18% births |
| 1970 | #366 | 675 | ▼ down 64 · -23% births |
| 1965 | #302 | 881 | — |
The story of Nora
Nora has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #28 in 2017. More than 162,790 babies have been named Nora since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #56 in 1880 to #24 in 2023. Nora is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Nora in 2017:
Nora by decade
Nora peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 6,557 | |
| 1890s | 8,336 | |
| 1900s | 7,236 | |
| 1910s | 11,171 | |
| 1920s | 12,423 | |
| 1930s | 9,040 | |
| 1940s | 9,480 | |
| 1950s | 11,599 | |
| 1960s | 9,582 | |
| 1970s | 5,777 | |
| 1980s | 5,578 | |
| 1990s | 5,533 | |
| 2000s | 10,921 | |
| 2010s ★ | 44,002 | |
| 2020s | 5,555 | |
What are good nicknames for Nora?
ENGLISH
NellieNellyNonieNoreenNorene
Famous people named Nora
N(
Nora (A Doll's House)
Ibsen's revolutionary female protagonist in A Doll's House, a landmark in feminist literature
NJ
Nora Jones
Grammy Award-winning jazz singer and songwriter who sold over 50 million albums worldwide
NE
Nora Ephron
Iconic American filmmaker, author, and journalist known for When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle
NR
Nora Roberts
Best-selling American romance novelist, the first author inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame
NF
Nora Fatehi
Canadian actress and dancer who became a Bollywood star known for her spectacular dance performances
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Nora?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nora also consider these
How is Nora written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Nora?
Common questions about the name Nora
What does the name Nora mean?
Nora means "honor" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Nora?
Nora is currently ranked #24 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 Nora?
Nora originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland 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 Nora?
Nora is a two-syllable name pronounced N AO1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Nora more of a girl or boy name?
Nora is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.