Zora
Zora is a girl name of Slavic origin meaning “Dawn”, pronounced ZOR-ah. It ranked #969 in the United States in 2025, given to 264 babies, and peaked at #258 in 1884. Common nicknames: Zo, Zozo.
How popular is Zora in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Zora mean, and where does it come from?
Zora is the Slavic word for dawn, used as a name across Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia and Bulgaria, and it is separately an Arabic name from the same root as Zahara. Its American weight comes from Zora Neale Hurston, the folklorist and novelist who wrote Their Eyes Were Watching God, died in obscurity and was rediscovered when Alice Walker found and marked her unnamed grave. The name stood at 258th place in 1884 and has been quiet since, though it is well overdue.
How is Zora used around the world?
Zora is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Zora?
Famous People Named Zora
- Zora Neale Hurston — American novelist, folklorist and anthropologist
- Zora Arkus-Duntov — Belgian-American engineer, the father of the Corvette
Similar Names to Zora
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Sibling Name Ideas for Zora
Looking for names that pair well with Zora? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Zora mean?
Zora is a girl name of Slavic origin meaning "Dawn." Zora is the Slavic word for dawn, used as a name across Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia and Bulgaria, and it is separately an Arabic name from the same root as Zahara. Its American weight comes from Zora Neale Hurston, the folklorist and novelist who wrote Their Eyes Were Watching God, died in obscurity and was rediscovered when Alice Walker found and marked her unnamed grave.
How do you pronounce Zora?
Zora is pronounced ZOR-ah. Common variations include Zorah, Zorica, Zohra.
Is Zora a girl name?
Yes, Zora is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Zo, Zozo.