Nora
Honor, light — a girl name of Irish origin
Popularity of Nora in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Nora
Nora is an Irish short form of Honora or Eleanor, ultimately deriving from the Latin "honor" meaning "honour" or "esteem." In Ireland, it has been used as an independent name for centuries and was one of the most common female names in 19th-century Ireland. The name gained literary fame through Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll's House, where the protagonist Nora Helmer became a symbol of women's independence. Nora has seen a strong resurgence in the 21st century, prized for its simplicity, warmth, and timeless elegance.
Nora Around the World
Nora is used in 5 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Nora
Famous People Named Nora
- Nora Ephron — American filmmaker and screenwriter of When Harry Met Sally
- Nora Jones — American singer-songwriter and pianist
- Nora Roberts — bestselling American romance novelist
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Sibling Name Ideas for Nora
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Nora mean?
Nora is a girl name of Irish origin meaning "Honor, light." Nora is an Irish short form of Honora or Eleanor, ultimately deriving from the Latin "honor" meaning "honour" or "esteem." In Ireland, it has been used as an independent name for centuries and was one of the most common female names in 19th-century Ireland.
How do you pronounce Nora?
Nora is pronounced NOR-uh. Common variations include Norah, Noora, Nóra.
Is Nora a girl name?
Yes, Nora is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Nori, Nor.
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