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Kora Girl

Popularity: #428 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KOR-uh //ˈkɔːrə//

Origin: Greek; Latin

Meaning: Greek: maiden; Latin: heart

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kora has its roots in ancient languages, primarily deriving from the Greek name 'Kore,' which means 'maiden' or 'daughter.' In Greek mythology, Kore is another name for Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of the harvest. This association with a significant mythological figure imbues the name with themes of spring, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life, as Persephone's story symbolizes the changing seasons.

The name Kora likely entered English through the adaptation of Greek texts during the Renaissance, a period marked by a renewed interest in classical antiquity and its literature. Historically, the name Kora has been used in various cultures and languages, including as a variant of the name Cora, which gained popularity in the 18th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.

The name Cora appears in literature, such as in James Fenimore Cooper's novel "The Last of the Mohicans" (1826), where Cora Munro is a central character, further solidifying its presence in Western culture. The name Kora itself has been used in different contexts, including as a name for girls in various cultures, reflecting a blend of linguistic and cultural influences.

Culturally, the name Kora resonates with themes of femininity and youth, often associated with purity and innocence due to its etymological roots. In addition to its mythological connections, the name has been embraced in various artistic expressions, including music and literature, where it symbolizes beauty and grace.

The diminutive form 'Kori' has also emerged in some contexts, reflecting a softer, more affectionate variant of the name. Overall, Kora's historical and cultural significance is deeply intertwined with its linguistic origins and the enduring themes it represents.

Famous people named Kora

Kora K. is a singer-songwriter best known for her work in the indie music scene.

Kora K. is a visual artist known for her contemporary installations and exhibitions.

Fictional characters named Kora

Kora is a fictional character from the animated series The Legend of Korra. She is the Avatar tasked with maintaining balance in the world and mastering the four elements.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kora was first seen in the United States in 1942.

Kora has ranked as high as #782 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

In the past 5 years the name Kora has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Kora (2024)

State Births Share
TX 63
11%
CA 48
8%
FL 40
7%
OH 36
6%
NY 24
4%
IN 22
4%
PA 22
4%
MO 19
3%
CO 19
3%
NC 18
3%
MN 16
3%
WA 16
3%
VA 15
3%
IL 14
2%
TN 13
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19425
19646
19667
19685
19706
19726
19745
19757
19768
19775
19788
197910
198010
198113
198210
19837
19848
19859
198617
198712
198811
198924
199014
199128
199229
199341
199444
199536
199637
199747
199862
199981
200081
200192
2002100
2003116
200491
2005101
2006122
2007123
2008128
2009152
2010178
2011226
2012261
2013356
2014409
2015462
2016433
2017506
2018599
2019662
2020623
2021620
2022682
2023570
2024621