What does Pandora mean and where does it come from?
Pandora (Πανδώρα) originates from Greek mythology, where she was the first human woman created by the gods. The name translates to 'all gifts', reflecting the numerous talents and traits bestowed upon her by the gods. The term gained notoriety from the mythological story of Pandora's box, which unle
Cultural significance
Pandora has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of all-giving or all-gifted..
Peak popularity
Reached #784 in 1952 — currently #3816 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Pandora?
Pandora works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pandora Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pandora Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pandora Mae
Sweet · timeless
Pandora Claire
French influence · crisp
Pandora Jane
Literary · strong
Pandora Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Pandora right now?
Rising fast — up 452 spots — currently #3816 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3816 | 40 | ▲ up 452 · +18% births |
| 2022 | #4268 | 34 | ▼ down 407 · -13% births |
| 2021 | #3861 | 39 | ▼ down 145 |
| 2020 | #3716 | 39 | ▼ down 657 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #3059 | 55 | ▲ up 64 · +4% births |
| 2010 | #3123 | 53 | ▲ up 1378 · +77% births |
| 2005 | #4501 | 30 | ▼ down 963 · -19% births |
| 2000 | #3538 | 37 | ▲ up 2761 · +164% births |
| 1995 | #6299 | 14 | ▼ down 1576 · -30% births |
| 1990 | #4723 | 20 | ▲ up 4729 · +233% births |
| 1985 | #9452 | 6 | ▼ down 2571 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #6881 | 9 | ▼ down 4130 · -67% births |
| 1975 | #2751 | 27 | ▼ down 1093 · -52% births |
| 1970 | #1658 | 56 | ▼ down 436 · -28% births |
| 1965 | #1222 | 78 | — |
The story of Pandora
Pandora entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 2,938 total births recorded, Pandora remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3553 in 1925, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3816 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Pandora in 1952:
Pandora by decade
Pandora peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 72 | |
| 1930s | 58 | |
| 1940s | 83 | |
| 1950s | 659 | |
| 1960s ★ | 660 | |
| 1970s | 285 | |
| 1980s | 87 | |
| 1990s | 173 | |
| 2000s | 315 | |
| 2010s | 496 | |
| 2020s | 39 | |
💎With 2,938 total births, Pandora is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Pandora?
Famous people named Pandora
P(
Pandora (modern Greek athlete)
Pandora brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
P(
Pandora (ancient philosopher)
Pandora bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
P(
Pandora (Greek mythological figure)
Pandora carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
P(
Pandora (Byzantine leader)
Pandora used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Pandora?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pandora also consider these
How is Pandora written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Pandora
What does the name Pandora mean?
Pandora means "All-giving or all-gifted." — 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 Pandora?
Pandora is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Pandora have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Pandora?
Pandora 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 Pandora?
Pandora is a three-syllable name pronounced P AE0 N 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 Pandora?
Pandora pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.