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Nori Unisex

Popularity: #700 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: NOH-ree //ˈnoʊ.ri//

Origin: Japanese; Hebrew

Meaning: Japanese: 'my daughter'; Hebrew: 'light'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Nori has roots in multiple languages, primarily deriving from Japanese. In Japanese, Nori (のり) can refer to seaweed, particularly the type used in sushi, and is often associated with the culinary tradition of Japan.

The name can also be a diminutive or a variation of names such as Noriko, where 'nori' can mean 'law' or 'rule' and 'ko' means 'child', thus translating to 'child of the law'. This linguistic connection illustrates the cultural significance of names in Japan, where they often carry meanings tied to nature, virtues, or familial connections.

Historically, the use of Nori as a name can be traced back to the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries), when Japan saw a flourishing of arts and culture, including the development of unique naming conventions. The name may also have been influenced by various historical figures or literary works from this era, although specific references to notable individuals named Nori are less documented.

The name's association with nature, particularly through its meaning related to seaweed, reflects the deep cultural ties the Japanese have with the ocean and its resources. Culturally, Nori resonates with themes of nourishment and sustenance, symbolizing the importance of food in Japanese society.

The name's connection to a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine underscores its significance in daily life and communal practices. Additionally, diminutive forms like Nori-chan are often used affectionately in familial or close-knit settings, highlighting the name's warmth and familiarity.

Overall, Nori embodies a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural symbolism, making it a meaningful choice within the context of Japanese naming traditions.

Famous people named Nori

Nori P. is a musician best known for his work in the Japanese rock band Nori.
Nori K. is a visual artist best known for his contemporary installations and exhibitions.

Fictional characters named Nori

Nori is a fictional character from the anime and manga series The Hobbit. They are one of the dwarves who accompany Bilbo Baggins on his adventure to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Nori was first seen in the United States in 1950. Nori has ranked as high as #1083 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in Texas, Georgia, California, New York, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Nori has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Nori (2024)

State Births Share
TX 23
12%
NY 21
11%
CA 21
11%
PA 18
9%
GA 17
9%
MD 14
7%
OH 14
7%
NJ 12
6%
NC 11
6%
FL 11
6%
VA 10
5%
IL 8
4%
AZ 7
4%
AL 6
3%
TN 5
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19506
19539
19547
195512
195617
195710
195811
195913
196013
196117
196217
196312
196410
19658
19666
196710
19685
196910
19709
197110
197213
197310
19749
197510
19766
19779
19788
19799
19807
19819
19846
19858
19876
198810
19896
19906
19915
19927
19937
19975
19988
19995
200010
20019
200211
200311
200411
20058
200616
200717
200812
200920
201015
201118
201211
201329
2014102
2015134
2016168
2017153
2018161
2019249
2020198
2021252
2022290
2023296
2024251