Nora began as a nickname for two separate names from two distinct countries. These two names are Honora from Ireland and Eleanor from Hungary. The name now stands out on its own with adorable nicknames and a place on the top 50 list.
Meaning of the name Nora:
Irish: honor
Hungarian: light
Origin of the name Nora:
The baby name Nora began as a nickname for the traditional Irish name Honora or the Hungarian name Eleanor before it became a first name on its own. The name retained the meaning of each of these names, however. It became increasingly popular in the 19th century due to the play “A Doll's House” by Henrik Ibsen.
Symbolism of the name Nora:
The meaning of the name Honora is honor, which is why the name Nora is given this meaning in the Irish culture. If you listen to the origin story from Hungary, however, the name comes from Eleanor, which means light.
Style of the name Nora:
Traditional
Gender of the name Nora:
Nora is a baby name exclusively used by females.
Pronunciation of the name Nora:
NAWR-e or NO-ra
Number of syllables in the name Nora:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Nora:
The baby name Nora is very feminine and sweet. It is simple yet feels natural.
Alternative spellings for the name Nora:
- Norah
- Noara
Nicknames for the name Nora:
- Nor
- Nory
- No-No
- Rah
- Nonie
- Norie
Popularity of the name Nora:
As of 2020, the baby name Nora is number 30 for girls. This name has been on the top 50 list since 2014 though. It was only on the top 100 list for a year before that in 2013 at number 82. The name Nora rose in popularity quickly, as prior to 2013, in recent years, it was barely on the top 200 list.
Related names for the name Nora:
Great middle names for Nora and their meanings:
- Adelaide (noble natured)
- Celeste (heavenly, celestial)
- Ruth (friend)
- Vivian (lively)
- Josephine (Yahweh shall grow)
- Lynn (lake)
- Francine (free)
Famous people with the name Nora:
- Nora Ephron (film director, “Sleepless in Seattle”)
- Nora Kuzma (actress, “Cry-Baby”)
- Nora Eddington (actress, “Cruise of the Zaca”)
- Nora Salinas (actress, “Esmeralda”)
- Nora O'Brien (actress, “Parenthood”)
- Nora Roberts (author, “Year One”)
Noras in popular culture:
- Nora Allen (character in DC comics)
- Nora Fries (character in DC comics)
- Nora Baker (character in “Cheaper by the Dozen”)
- Nora Clark (character in “Step Up”)
- Nora Dearly (character in “Dearly, Departed” series)
- Nora Durst (character in “The Leftovers”)