What does Ora mean and where does it come from?
Ora (אורה) is a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'light', often associated with brightness and positivity. It has Latin roots as well, where Ora means 'gold'. The name is relatively rare but has a gentle and elegant quality. In literature and modern media, the name represents characters or ideals assoc
Cultural significance
Ora has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of light.
Peak popularity
Reached #104 in 1881 — currently #3567 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ora?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ora?
Ora works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ora Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ora Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ora Claire
French influence · crisp
Ora Jane
Literary · strong
Ora Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ora right now?
Rising fast — up 184 spots — currently #3567 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3567 | 44 | ▲ up 184 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #3751 | 41 | ▲ up 108 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #3859 | 39 | ▲ up 182 · +15% births |
| 2020 | #4041 | 34 | ▲ up 96 · -3% births |
| 2015 | #4137 | 35 | ▲ up 2761 · +94% births |
| 2010 | #6898 | 18 | ▲ up 235 · +13% births |
| 2005 | #7133 | 16 | ▲ up 443 · +23% births |
| 2000 | #7576 | 13 | ▼ down 536 · +8% births |
| 1995 | #7040 | 12 | ▲ up 841 · +20% births |
| 1990 | #7881 | 10 | ▼ down 5135 · -71% births |
| 1985 | #2746 | 34 | ▼ down 208 · -8% births |
| 1980 | #2538 | 37 | ▼ down 661 · -23% births |
| 1975 | #1877 | 48 | ▼ down 259 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #1618 | 58 | ▼ down 521 · -36% births |
| 1965 | #1097 | 91 | — |
The story of Ora
Ora has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 44,673 babies have received this name. Once ranked #114 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3567 in 2023. Ora is used for both genders: 87% female and 13% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ora in 1881:
Ora by decade
Ora peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,011 | |
| 1890s | 4,312 | |
| 1900s | 4,642 | |
| 1910s | 8,307 | |
| 1920s ★ | 9,069 | |
| 1930s | 5,809 | |
| 1940s | 4,124 | |
| 1950s | 2,593 | |
| 1960s | 1,182 | |
| 1970s | 560 | |
| 1980s | 383 | |
| 1990s | 180 | |
| 2000s | 166 | |
| 2010s | 301 | |
| 2020s | 34 | |
What are good nicknames for Ora?
Famous people named Ora
O(
Ora (historical community leader)
Ora led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
O(
Ora (historical figure)
Ora bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ora?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ora also consider these
Common questions about the name Ora
What does the name Ora mean?
Ora 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 Ora?
Ora is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ora have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ora?
Ora 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 Ora?
Ora is a two-syllable name pronounced AO1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ora trending right now?
Ora is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.