Kore Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KOH-ree //ˈkɔːreɪ//
Origin: Greek; Japanese
Meaning: Greek: maiden; Japanese: to come
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kore has its roots in ancient Greek, where it means "maiden" or "daughter." The term is derived from the Greek word "kore" (κόρη), which was often used in the context of young women or girls, particularly in relation to the goddess Persephone, who was also referred to as Kore in ancient mythology. This connection to Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, highlights the name's association with themes of fertility and the changing seasons, as Persephone's story is central to the agricultural cycles of ancient Greece.
The name was adopted into Latin as "Cora," which maintained its original meaning and was later introduced into various languages, including English, through the influence of classical literature and scholarship during the Renaissance period. Historically, the name Kore has been linked to significant cultural and religious narratives.
In ancient Greek religion, Kore's duality as both a maiden and a queen of the underworld reflects the complexities of life and death, making it a name of considerable symbolic weight. The name appears in various literary works, including those of Homer and Hesiod, and it has been referenced in the context of rituals and festivals dedicated to Persephone, particularly the Eleusinian Mysteries, which date back to at least the 5th century BCE.
The name's enduring legacy is also seen in its use in early Christian texts, where it was sometimes associated with purity and virtue. Culturally, the name Kore has resonated through various artistic and literary traditions, symbolizing youth and the transition into adulthood.
Its connection to the divine and the natural world has allowed it to maintain a significant presence in mythological and religious contexts. While the name itself may not have widespread contemporary usage, its historical and cultural significance continues to be acknowledged in studies of ancient Greek mythology and literature.
The diminutive form "Cora" has also emerged in various cultures, further illustrating the name's adaptability and enduring appeal.
Famous people named Kore
In this section, you will find notable people named Kore. 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 Kore who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Kore 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.
Kore-eda Hiroshi is a filmmaker best known for Shoplifters, Nobody Knows, and Like Father, Like Son.
Fictional characters named Kore
The following list of fictional characters named Kore is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Kore is a fictional character from Greek mythology and various adaptations. She is often associated with the goddess Persephone, representing spring and the cycle of life and death.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Kore, 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 Kore. 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 Kore was first seen in the United States in 1977.
Kore has ranked as high as #16322 nationally, which occurred in 2005, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Kore has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Kore 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 Kore 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 Kore.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 2022 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2021 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 2013 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2008 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2005 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| 2004 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 2001 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1997 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1996 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1994 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1993 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1979 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1978 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1977 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Top States for Kore
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.
No state data available for this year.