Bora Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: BOH-rah /ˈbɔːrə/
Origin: Turkish; Korean
Meaning: Turkish: 'storm'; Korean: 'to be born'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Bora has its roots in the Slavic languages, deriving from the word "bora," which means "storm" or "tempest." This term is particularly associated with a strong, cold wind that occurs in the Adriatic region, reflecting the natural elements that often influenced early naming conventions in Slavic cultures. The name has also been linked to the Turkish word "bora," which means "storm" or "gale," showcasing a shared linguistic heritage across different cultures in the region.
The transition of the name into English likely occurred through the influence of Slavic and Turkish communities, particularly in areas where these languages and cultures intersected with English-speaking populations. Historically, the name Bora has been used in various contexts, often symbolizing strength and resilience, akin to the fierce winds it describes.
While there are no specific biblical or royal figures associated with the name, its elemental connotation has made it a fitting choice in folklore and literature, where natural phenomena often serve as metaphors for human experiences. The name's usage can be traced back to the medieval period, when names derived from nature were prevalent in many cultures, including Slavic regions.
Culturally, Bora embodies the spirit of nature's power, resonating with themes of endurance and transformation. It has been embraced in various artistic expressions, including poetry and music, where the imagery of storms is often employed to convey emotional depth.
The name's association with the wind also connects it to broader themes in mythology and folklore, where winds are frequently personified and attributed with divine qualities. While diminutive forms may exist, the name Bora stands strong in its original form, reflecting a deep connection to the natural world and its enduring influence on human culture.
Famous people named Bora
In this section, you will find notable people named Bora. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Bora who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Bora who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Bora Akkaş is an actor best known for Kırmızı Oda, Kaptan Feza, and Kış Uykusu.
Bora Çaylan is a professional basketball player best known for playing with various teams in the Turkish Basketball League.
Bora Duran is a singer and songwriter best known for his albums and singles in the Turkish pop music scene.
Bora Korkmaz is a professional basketball player best known for his performances in the Turkish national team and various European leagues.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Bora, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Bora. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Bora was first seen in the United States in 1981.
Bora has ranked as high as #7231 nationally, which occurred in 2019, and has been most popular in New York, California, New Jersey, and Michigan.
In the past 5 years the name Bora has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Bora is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Bora was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Bora.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 29 | 15 | 14 |
| 2024 | 23 | 12 | 11 |
| 2023 | 27 | 12 | 15 |
| 2022 | 29 | 9 | 20 |
| 2021 | 20 | 0 | 20 |
| 2020 | 20 | 11 | 9 |
| 2019 | 34 | 19 | 15 |
| 2018 | 21 | 13 | 8 |
| 2017 | 20 | 15 | 5 |
| 2016 | 32 | 17 | 15 |
| 2015 | 24 | 12 | 12 |
| 2014 | 17 | 10 | 7 |
| 2013 | 18 | 12 | 6 |
| 2012 | 18 | 10 | 8 |
| 2011 | 26 | 18 | 8 |
| 2010 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 2009 | 19 | 11 | 8 |
| 2008 | 21 | 16 | 5 |
| 2007 | 16 | 8 | 8 |
| 2006 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 2005 | 23 | 23 | 0 |
| 2004 | 18 | 18 | 0 |
| 2003 | 19 | 12 | 7 |
| 2002 | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| 2001 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 2000 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 1998 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1995 | 13 | 7 | 6 |
| 1993 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1992 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 1991 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1990 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1989 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1988 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 1986 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1985 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1984 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 1983 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1982 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1981 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
Top States for Bora (2023)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| MI | 5 |