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Zora Girl

Popularity: #664 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationZOR-ah / ˈzɔːrə

Slavic; Arabic

Meaning

Slavic: dawn; Arabic: flower

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Zora has Slavic roots, deriving from the word "zora," which means "dawn" or "daybreak." This term is linked to the Proto-Slavic *zora, reflecting the significance of light and new beginnings in Slavic cultures. The name entered the English language through the influence of Slavic immigrants and literature, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, when interest in Slavic culture and languages grew in the West.

Historically, the name Zora has been associated with various cultural and literary figures. In Slavic folklore, the dawn is often personified, symbolizing hope and renewal. The name gained further recognition in the early 20th century through the works of authors and poets who explored themes of nature and the human experience, often using the imagery of dawn to evoke transformation and awakening. Additionally, the name has been embraced in various artistic expressions, including music and visual arts, reinforcing its connection to beauty and inspiration.

Culturally, Zora resonates with themes of femininity and strength, often embodying the qualities of resilience and optimism. In some traditions, the dawn is viewed as a time of divine intervention or blessing, enhancing the name's spiritual significance. The name has also been used in various forms across different cultures, with diminutives such as Zorina appearing in some Slavic languages, further enriching its historical tapestry. Overall, Zora stands as a name that encapsulates the essence of light, hope, and the promise of a new day.

Trend Summary

Zora has seen a modest rise in popularity in recent years in the United States.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Zorina
  • Zoraya

International Variants

  • Zora (Slavic)
  • Zora (Arabic)

Famous people named Zora

Zora Neale Hurston is an author and anthropologist best known for Their Eyes Were Watching God, Mules and Men, and Dust Tracks on a Road.

Zora Arkus-Duntov is an engineer best known for his work on the Chevrolet Corvette.

Fictional characters named Zora

Zora Neale Hurston is a fictional character from the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. She is a strong-willed woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment in the early 20th century American South.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Zora was first seen in the United States in 1880. Zora has ranked as high as #1023 nationally, which occurred in 2019, and has been most popular in California, North Carolina, Georgia, New York, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Zora has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Zora (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 28
12%
TX 22
9%
NY 19
8%
PA 14
6%
GA 14
6%
FL 13
6%
VA 13
6%
NC 12
5%
OH 11
5%
MD 11
5%
WA 9
4%
IN 9
4%
SC 9
4%
AL 8
3%
IL 7
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188028
188121
188232
188335
188458
188548
188652
188746
188842
188953
189060
189152
189266
189367
189466
189555
189672
189767
189865
189956
190099
190158
190258
190383
190454
190555
190664
190792
190859
190957
191057
191182
191299
191390
1914120
1915169
1916152
1917135
1918134
1919117
1920135
1921136
1922128
1923130
1924122
1925114
192693
192792
192881
192972
193093
193173
193270
193357
193472
193562
193659
193749
193861
193955
194049
194152
194239
194345
194451
194541
194638
194736
194849
194935
195031
195135
195235
195347
195424
195534
195624
195730
195819
195911
196019
196120
196214
196314
19647
196515
19667
196715
196811
196910
197114
197212
19739
197414
197511
19767
19779
19788
19799
198013
19817
198210
19857
19869
19877
198910
19908
199112
199214
199316
199415
199524
199616
199725
199820
199926
200032
200165
200262
2003117
2004102
200598
200698
2007104
2008112
200987
201088
201194
2012109
201399
2014139
2015140
2016164
2017206
2018270
2019353
2020308
2021338
2022332
2023311
2024289