Cora

Maiden — a girl name of Greek origin

GenderGirl
OriginGreek
MeaningMaiden
PronunciationKOR-uh

Popularity of Cora in the United States

#113Rank in 2025
2,428Births in 2025
#15 in 1880Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Cora

Cora derives from the Greek "kore" meaning "maiden" or "girl," and was an epithet for Persephone, the goddess of the underworld and spring in Greek mythology. The name was popularized in the English-speaking world by James Fenimore Cooper, who used it for the character Cora Munro in his 1826 novel The Last of the Mohicans. Lady Cora Crawley, a central character in the television series Downton Abbey, gave the name a significant modern boost. Cora appeals to parents who love short, vintage names with mythological depth and has been climbing baby name charts steadily since the 2010s.

Cora Around the World

Cora is used in 1 languages worldwide.

Languages
Dutch
Details

TypeFemale given name

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Cora

CoriCoCo

Famous People Named Cora

  • Cora Coralina — Brazilian poet
  • Cora Crawley — fictional character from Downton Abbey
  • Cora Gauthier — French model and fashion figure

Similar Names to Cora

If you like Cora, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Sibling Name Ideas for Cora

Looking for names that pair well with Cora? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Cora mean?

Cora is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Maiden." Cora derives from the Greek "kore" meaning "maiden" or "girl," and was an epithet for Persephone, the goddess of the underworld and spring in Greek mythology. The name was popularized in the English-speaking world by James Fenimore Cooper, who used it for the character Cora Munro in his 1826 novel The Last of the Mohicans.

How do you pronounce Cora?

Cora is pronounced KOR-uh. Common variations include Kora, Coralie, Corina.

Is Cora a girl name?

Yes, Cora is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Cori, CoCo.

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