What does Thor mean and where does it come from?
Thor is a name of Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse word 'Þórr', meaning 'thunder'. Thor is one of the most important deities in Norse mythology, known as the god of thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, and protection. The name has gained popularity in recent years, especially wit
Cultural significance
Thor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Norse-speaking communities, where it reflects values of thunder.
Peak popularity
Reached #880 in 1968 — currently #2094 in the US.
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Related Reading
Norse-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Thor?
Thor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Thor Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Thor Rose
Floral · soft ending
Thor Claire
French influence · crisp
Thor Jane
Literary · strong
Thor Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Thor right now?
Falling — down 145 spots — currently #2094 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2094 | 71 | ▼ down 145 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #1949 | 80 | ▼ down 136 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #1813 | 87 | ▼ down 48 · +2% births |
| 2020 | #1765 | 85 | ▼ down 326 · -28% births |
| 2015 | #1439 | 118 | ▲ up 160 · +20% births |
| 2010 | #1599 | 98 | ▲ up 155 · +31% births |
| 2005 | #1754 | 75 | ▲ up 267 · +50% births |
| 2000 | #2021 | 50 | ▼ down 127 · +11% births |
| 1995 | #1894 | 45 | ▼ down 375 · -20% births |
| 1990 | #1519 | 56 | ▲ up 129 · +47% births |
| 1985 | #1648 | 38 | ▼ down 455 · -36% births |
| 1980 | #1193 | 59 | ▲ up 97 · +31% births |
| 1975 | #1290 | 45 | ▼ down 288 · -32% births |
| 1970 | #1002 | 66 | ▼ down 40 · +12% births |
| 1965 | #962 | 59 | — |
The story of Thor
Thor entered American naming records in 1904 and has been in use for over 120 years. With 4,520 total births recorded, Thor remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2130 in 1915 to #2094 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Thor in 1968:
Thor by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 86 | |
| 1920s | 117 | |
| 1930s | 91 | |
| 1940s | 137 | |
| 1950s | 207 | |
| 1960s | 566 | |
| 1970s | 538 | |
| 1980s | 469 | |
| 1990s | 497 | |
| 2000s | 699 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,023 | |
| 2020s | 85 | |
💎With 4,520 total births, Thor is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Thor?
Famous people named Thor
T(
Thor (Norse warrior)
Thor held this name in the warrior tradition of the Norsemen, symbolizing strength and courage.
T(
Thor (Viking explorer)
Thor carried this name across Scandinavia and into new lands during the Age of Vikings.
T(
Thor (Norse skald or poet)
Thor immortalized this name in the Norse skaldic poetry tradition.
T(
Thor (Scandinavian royal)
Thor bore this name across the Nordic kingdoms, spreading its use through royal lineages.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Thor?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Thor also consider these
How is Thor written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Thor?
Common questions about the name Thor
What does the name Thor mean?
Thor means "Thunder" — a name rooted in Norse 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 Thor?
Thor is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Thor?
Thor originates from Norse tradition. Norse 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 Thor?
Thor is a one-syllable name pronounced TH AO1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Thor sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Thor flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Thor ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.