Log in · Sign up

Cora Girl

Popularity: #102 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKOR-uh / /ˈkɔːrə/

Greek; Latin

Meaning

Greek: maiden; Latin: heart

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Cora has its roots in ancient Greek, derived from the word 'kore,' which means 'maiden' or 'daughter.' This term was often used in reference to Persephone, the Greek goddess of spring and the queen of the underworld, who was also known as Kore. The name entered the Latin language as 'Cora,' maintaining its association with youth and femininity. It was later adopted into English during the 18th century, influenced by the Romantic movement's fascination with classical themes and figures.

Historically, Cora has been associated with various figures and texts. In the 19th century, the name gained prominence through literature, notably in James Fenimore Cooper's novel "The Last of the Mohicans" (1826), where Cora Munro is a central character. This literary reference contributed to the name's resonance in American culture. Additionally, the name appears in various forms in classical literature and mythology, reinforcing its connection to themes of beauty and purity.

Culturally, Cora has been embraced in various traditions and has often been linked to notions of innocence and grace. The name has also been associated with the idea of spring and renewal, echoing its mythological roots with Persephone. In some contexts, diminutive forms such as Cori or Cora Lee have emerged, reflecting affectionate or familial ties. Overall, Cora's enduring appeal can be attributed to its rich historical background and the timeless qualities it embodies.

Trend Summary

Cora has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, ranking in the top 100 names for girls in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Kora
  • Cory

International Variants

  • Cora (Spanish)
  • Kora (Slavic)
  • Kora (Japanese)

Famous people named Cora

Cora Pearl was a courtesan best known for her influence in Parisian society and her relationships with notable figures of the 19th century.

Cora Munro is a fictional character best known for her role in The Last of the Mohicans.

Cora L. V. Smith is a writer best known for her contributions to children's literature.

Fictional characters named Cora

Cora is a fictional character from the TV series Once Upon a Time. She is the Queen of Hearts and a major antagonist known for her cunning and manipulative nature.

Cora is a fictional character from the novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. She is the mother of the protagonist, Mary Lennox, and her absence significantly impacts the story's emotional depth.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Cora was first seen in the United States in 1880. Cora has ranked as high as #172 nationally, which occurred in 2019, and has been most popular in North Carolina, California, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Cora has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Cora (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 176
7%
TX 174
7%
PA 140
6%
OH 131
5%
NY 129
5%
FL 121
5%
NC 96
4%
IL 93
4%
VA 90
4%
IN 84
3%
WA 80
3%
MA 79
3%
MN 76
3%
MO 75
3%
WI 69
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18801,045
1881969
18821,076
18831,081
18841,244
18851,253
18861,231
18871,257
18881,433
18891,365
18901,386
18911,343
18921,419
18931,308
18941,319
18951,295
18961,204
18971,246
18981,304
18991,056
19001,389
19011,027
19021,081
1903986
1904993
19051,044
1906952
1907969
1908962
1909969
19101,079
19111,022
19121,253
19131,288
19141,500
19151,683
19161,899
19171,737
19181,916
19191,940
19201,819
19211,828
19221,762
19231,691
19241,630
19251,679
19261,477
19271,493
19281,393
19291,389
19301,272
19311,185
19321,136
19331,157
19341,112
19351,071
19361,008
19371,141
19381,131
19391,040
1940965
19411,007
19421,002
1943874
1944816
1945752
1946800
1947848
1948837
1949848
1950734
1951672
1952667
1953647
1954614
1955576
1956554
1957516
1958435
1959454
1960454
1961419
1962410
1963403
1964351
1965373
1966312
1967235
1968235
1969201
1970234
1971222
1972201
1973196
1974206
1975182
1976211
1977223
1978225
1979194
1980214
1981221
1982239
1983225
1984224
1985221
1986237
1987195
1988201
1989247
1990230
1991255
1992249
1993297
1994329
1995313
1996327
1997325
1998468
1999529
2000564
2001604
2002608
2003695
2004698
2005673
2006844
2007918
20081,041
20091,100
20101,206
20111,555
20122,081
20132,586
20142,967
20153,403
20163,373
20173,445
20183,596
20193,601
20203,034
20213,005
20223,073
20232,749
20242,570