Tor

“Thunder”

Scandinavia origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#10695US 2023

7Births / yr

↓Falling

833All-time births

📅 Since 195000

How to pronounce Tor

TAWR

/ˈtɔr/ · stress on TAWR · 1 syllable

“Thunder”

Scandinavia origin · Boy name

What does Tor mean and where does it come from?

Tor is a traditional name with Scandinavian origins, derived from the Old Norse god Thor, the god of thunder in Norse mythology. It symbolizes strength and bravery and has been in use since the Viking Age. The name remains popular in Scandinavian countries today and is celebrated in many cultural re

Cultural significance

Tor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scandinavia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of thunder.

Peak popularity

Reached #1452 in 1965 — currently #10695 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Tor?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Tor?

Tor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Tor Grace

How popular is Tor right now?

Falling — down 2469 spots — currently #10695 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2023#10695 · Top 7.9%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#10695	7	▼ down 2469 · -30% births
2022	#8226	10	▼ down 1584 · -23% births
2021	#6642	13	▼ down 943 · -13% births
2020	#5699	15	▲ up 1441 · +36% births
2015	#7140	11	▼ down 1605 · -31% births
2010	#5535	16	▼ down 1035 · -16% births
2005	#4500	19	▼ down 828 · -14% births
2000	#3672	22	▲ up 5499 · +340% births
1995	#9171	5	▼ down 5495 · -69% births
1990	#3676	16	▲ up 3232 · +220% births
1985	#6908	5	▼ down 3566 · -62% births
1980	#3342	13	▼ down 343
1975	#2999	13	▼ down 816 · -28% births
1970	#2183	18	▼ down 731 · -38% births
1965	#1452	29	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tor

Best Year1965Rank #1452

Peak Count29

Average Rank#5134

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1950 - 202318 years

The story of Tor

Tor entered American naming records in 1950 and has been in use for over 74 years. With 833 total births recorded, Tor remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3681 in 1950, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10695 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Tor in 1965:

Michael John David James Robert

Tor by decade

Tor peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	48
1960s ★	146
1970s	146
1980s	88
1990s	118
2000s	143
2010s	129
2020s	15

💎Tor has only 833 total recorded births since 1950 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Tor?

Common

TorieTory

What names sound and feel like Tor?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tor also consider these

Torr

Scotland · Thunder or rocky

American · A small object

How is Tor written in other languages?

What are the girl versions of Tor?

Þóra ANCIENT SCANDINAVIAN Thora DANISH Tora DANISH Thora GERMAN Þóra ICELANDIC Thora NORWEGIAN Tora NORWEGIAN Torø NORWEGIAN Thora SWEDISH Tora SWEDISH

Common questions about the name Tor

What does the name Tor mean?

Tor means "Thunder" — a name rooted in Scandinavia 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 Tor?

Tor 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 Tor?

Tor originates from Scandinavia tradition. Scandinavia 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 Tor?

Tor is a one-syllable name pronounced T AO1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Tor sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Tor flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Tor ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.