What does Tora mean and where does it come from?
Tora is a multi-faceted name found in various cultures. In Japan, it means 'tiger', which is an emblem of strength and power. In Scandinavian contexts, it is associated with 'thunder', evoking the imagery of Thor, the Norse god. In Hebrew culture, Tora is derived from Torah, meaning 'instruction' or
Cultural significance
Tora has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japanese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of japanese.
Peak popularity
Reached #1697 in 1898 — currently #1125 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japanese-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tora?
Tora works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tora Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tora Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tora Claire
French influence · crisp
Tora Jane
Literary · strong
Tora Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tora right now?
Holding steady — currently #1125 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1125 | 1,075 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1130 | 1,055 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1135 | 1,025 | ▲ up 7223 · +8442% births |
| 2020 | #8358 | 12 | ▼ down 826 · -25% births |
| 2010 | #7532 | 16 | ▲ up 2631 · +60% births |
| 2005 | #10163 | 10 | ▼ down 255 · +11% births |
| 2000 | #9908 | 9 | ▼ down 2821 · -25% births |
| 1995 | #7087 | 12 | ▼ down 589 · -8% births |
| 1990 | #6498 | 13 | ▲ up 1911 · +86% births |
| 1985 | #8409 | 7 | ▼ down 3126 · -46% births |
| 1980 | #5283 | 13 | ▼ down 1100 · -13% births |
| 1975 | #4183 | 15 | ▼ down 1644 · -48% births |
| 1970 | #2539 | 29 | ▲ up 888 · +107% births |
| 1965 | #3427 | 14 | ▲ up 2562 · +180% births |
| 1955 | #5989 | 5 | — |
The story of Tora
Tora has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. With 954 total births recorded, Tora remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2275 in 1910 to #1125 in 2023. Tora is used for both genders: 97% female and 3% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tora in 1898:
Tora by decade
Tora peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 6 | |
| 1910s | 17 | |
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 45 | |
| 1960s | 89 | |
| 1970s ★ | 347 | |
| 1980s | 110 | |
| 1990s | 108 | |
| 2000s | 89 | |
| 2010s | 115 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎Tora has only 954 total recorded births since 1898 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tora?
What names sound and feel like Tora?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tora also consider these
How is Tora written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tora
What does the name Tora mean?
Tora means "Japanese" — a name rooted in Japanese 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 Tora?
Tora is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Tora?
Tora originates from Japanese tradition. Japanese 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 Tora?
Tora is a two-syllable name pronounced T AH0 R AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tora a common or rare name?
Tora is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.