Nora Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Nora Name Meaning

Fact: “Nora” is a song by the American rock band Blessid Union of Souls, highlighting its cultural presence in music.

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A Deep Dive

Nora Overview

Meaning

Light, honor

Gender

Girl

Origin

Latin

Etymology

Derived from the Latin name Honora, meaning “honor” or “light”.

Pronunciation

/ˈnɔːrə/

Popularity

Nora is widely popular globally, especially in European countries. In the USA, it recently ranked within the top 30 names for girls.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

4 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Classic, Cute, Popular

Associated Traits

Kind, intelligent, creative

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

In some cultures, Nora is linked to honor and light, reflecting positive virtues. It has historical significance in Irish and Scandinavian cultures.

Name Day

October 13th
A Deep Dive

Nora Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Norah, Eleanora, Honora, Leonora

Common Nicknames

Nor, Nori

Diminutives

Noe

Famous People

  • Nora Roberts
    (American Author)
  • Nora Ephron
    (American Screenwriter)
  • Nora Aunor
    (Filipino Actress)
  • Nora Fatehi
    (Canadian Dancer)
  • Nora Miao
    (Hong Kong Actress)
  • Nora Lum
    (Awkwafina)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Nora Ephron
    ("When Harry Met Sally," Film)
  • Nora Allen
    ("The Flash," TV Series)
  • Nora Durst
    ("The Leftovers," TV Series)
  • Nora Helmer
    ("A Doll's House," Play)

Places

  • Nora Village
    (Illinois, USA)
  • Nora River
    (Tasmania, Australia)
  • Nora Township
    (Minnesota, USA)
  • Nora Municipality
    (Örebro County, Sweden)

What Is the Meaning of Nora?

Nora means “light” or “honor.” Individuals with this name are often seen as bright, illuminating personalities who bring warmth and positivity to their surroundings.

What Is the Origin of The Name Nora?

Nora has its origins in the Latin name Honora, which means “honor.” It is a shortened form of the name Eleonora, commonly used in various cultures, including Irish and Scandinavian.

Nora Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Nora in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#272021#282022#252023
Top 3 Rankings#252023#272021#282022

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Nora

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202325
(+3 from 2022)
5994
(-149 from 2022)
0.34267
202228
(-1 from 2021)
6143
(-131 from 2021)
0.34260
202127
(+3 from 2020)
6274
(+694 from 2020)
0.35020
202030
(-1 from 2019)
5580
(-355 from 2019)
0.31567
201929
(+1 from 2018)
5935
(+98 from 2018)
0.32346
201830
(-1 from 2017)
5837
(-229 from 2017)
0.31388
201729
(+7 from 2016)
6066
(+473 from 2016)
0.32110
201636
(+5 from 2015)
5593
(+263 from 2015)
0.28891
201541
(+8 from 2014)
5330
(+591 from 2014)
0.27321
201449
(+34 from 2013)
4739
(+1231 from 2013)
0.24224
201383
(+25 from 2012)
3508
(+618 from 2012)
0.18198
2012108
(+29 from 2011)
2890
(+655 from 2011)
0.14901
2011137
(+22 from 2010)
2235
(+296 from 2010)
0.11534
2010159
(+39 from 2009)
1939
(+269 from 2009)
0.09889
2009198
(+18 from 2008)
1670
(+111 from 2008)
0.08247
2008216
(+26 from 2007)
1559
(+85 from 2007)
0.07485
2007242
(+3 from 2006)
1474
(+89 from 2006)
0.06964
2006245
(+31 from 2005)
1385
(+188 from 2005)
0.06625
2005276
(+30 from 2004)
1197
(+154 from 2004)
0.05898
2004306
(+61 from 2003)
1043
(+213 from 2003)
0.05169
2003367
(+104 from 2002)
830
(+230 from 2002)
0.04137
2002471
(-23 from 2001)
600
(-22 from 2001)
0.03038
2001448
(+52 from 2000)
622
(+82 from 2000)
0.03140
2000500
(-45 from 1999)
540
(-44 from 1999)
0.02706
1999455
(+21 from 1998)
584
(+44 from 1998)
0.03000
1998476
(-25 from 1997)
540
(-23 from 1997)
0.02786
1997451
(-2 from 1996)
563
(+6 from 1996)
0.02949
1996449
(+14 from 1995)
557
(+12 from 1995)
0.02905
1995463
(+11 from 1994)
545
(+15 from 1994)
0.02836
1994474
(+4 from 1993)
530
(+4 from 1993)
0.02719
1993478
(-8 from 1992)
526
(+2 from 1992)
0.02668
1992470
(-27 from 1991)
524
(-51 from 1991)
0.02614
1991443
(-12 from 1990)
575
(-13 from 1990)
0.02828
1990431
(-16 from 1989)
588
(-8 from 1989)
0.02862
1989415
(-18 from 1988)
596
(-10 from 1988)
0.02992
1988397
(+17 from 1987)
606
(+68 from 1987)
0.03151
1987414
(+31 from 1986)
538
(+53 from 1986)
0.02871
1986445
(-33 from 1985)
485
(-56 from 1985)
0.02628
1985412
(-21 from 1984)
541
(-18 from 1984)
0.02930
1984391
(+24 from 1983)
559
(+39 from 1983)
0.03100
1983415
(-9 from 1982)
520
(-44 from 1982)
0.02906
1982406
(-2 from 1981)
564
(+11 from 1981)
0.03109
1981404
(-4 from 1980)
553
(-18 from 1980)
0.03092
1980400
(+3 from 1979)
571
(+35 from 1979)
0.03207
1979403
(-37 from 1978)
536
(-48 from 1978)
0.03110
1978366
(+36 from 1977)
584
(+66 from 1977)
0.03553
1977402
(-6 from 1976)
518
(+1 from 1976)
0.03149
1976396
(-19 from 1975)
517
(-35 from 1975)
0.03289
1975377
(-11 from 1974)
552
(-35 from 1974)
0.03536
1974366
(+3 from 1973)
587
(+14 from 1973)
0.03748
1973369
(-5 from 1972)
573
(-31 from 1972)
0.03687
1972364
(+11 from 1971)
604
(-20 from 1971)
0.03746
1971375
(-10 from 1970)
624
(-52 from 1970)
0.03560
1970365
(-29 from 1969)
676
(-33 from 1969)
0.03690
1969336
(-7 from 1968)
709
(+13 from 1968)
0.04022
1968329
(-4 from 1967)
696
(-31 from 1967)
0.04071
1967325
(-26 from 1966)
727
(-123 from 1966)
0.04235
1966299
(+3 from 1965)
850
(-31 from 1965)
0.04841
1965302
(-23 from 1964)
881
(-169 from 1964)
0.04821
1964279
(-1 from 1963)
1050
(-17 from 1963)
0.05364
1963278
(-4 from 1962)
1067
(-8 from 1962)
0.05367
1962274
(-2 from 1961)
1075
(-46 from 1961)
0.05304
1961272
(-36 from 1960)
1121
(-224 from 1960)
0.05397
1960236
(+6 from 1959)
1345
(+70 from 1959)
0.06467
1959242
(+11 from 1958)
1275
(+97 from 1958)
0.06134
1958253
(-3 from 1957)
1178
(+16 from 1957)
0.05703
1957250
(-6 from 1956)
1162
(-8 from 1956)
0.05538
1956244
(+11 from 1955)
1170
(+124 from 1955)
0.05681
1955255
(-18 from 1954)
1046
(-115 from 1954)
0.05217
1954237
(+1 from 1953)
1161
(+13 from 1953)
0.05832
1953238
(-4 from 1952)
1148
(+26 from 1952)
0.05950
1952234
(-11 from 1951)
1122
(-38 from 1951)
0.05899
1951223
(+2 from 1950)
1160
(+43 from 1950)
0.06280
1950225
(-7 from 1949)
1117
(-81 from 1949)
0.06352
1949218
(+7 from 1948)
1198
(+112 from 1948)
0.06824
1948225
No change from 1947
1086
(-10 from 1947)
0.06232
1947225
(+4 from 1946)
1096
(+127 from 1946)
0.06029
1946229
(-1 from 1945)
969
(+136 from 1945)
0.06008
1945228
(-3 from 1944)
833
(-9 from 1944)
0.06188
1944225
(+5 from 1943)
842
(-14 from 1943)
0.06162
1943230
(-2 from 1942)
856
(+19 from 1942)
0.05963
1942228
(-19 from 1941)
837
(-8 from 1941)
0.06020
1941209
No change from 1940
845
(+2 from 1940)
0.06782
1940209
(-5 from 1939)
843
(-16 from 1939)
0.07136
1939204
(-1 from 1938)
859
(+2 from 1938)
0.07574
1938203
(-1 from 1937)
857
(+15 from 1937)
0.07508
1937202
(+8 from 1936)
842
(+51 from 1936)
0.07642
1936210
(-18 from 1935)
791
(-119 from 1935)
0.07341
1935192
(+8 from 1934)
910
(+22 from 1934)
0.08373
1934200
(-7 from 1933)
888
(-3 from 1933)
0.08204
1933193
(-4 from 1932)
891
(-78 from 1932)
0.08518
1932189
(+13 from 1931)
969
(+65 from 1931)
0.08759
1931202
(-12 from 1930)
904
(-111 from 1930)
0.08190
1930190
(+3 from 1929)
1015
(-1 from 1929)
0.08702
1929193
(-3 from 1928)
1016
(-66 from 1928)
0.08777
1928190
(-1 from 1927)
1082
(+4 from 1927)
0.09050
1927189
(-13 from 1926)
1078
(-125 from 1926)
0.08719
1926176
(-5 from 1925)
1203
(-114 from 1925)
0.09779
1925171
(+1 from 1924)
1317
(-18 from 1924)
0.10427
1924172
(+8 from 1923)
1335
(+114 from 1923)
0.10304
1923180
No change from 1922
1221
(+2 from 1922)
0.09749
1922180
(-13 from 1921)
1219
(-131 from 1921)
0.09771
1921167
(-10 from 1920)
1350
(-127 from 1920)
0.10549
1920157
(+4 from 1919)
1477
(+105 from 1919)
0.11873
1919161
No change from 1918
1372
(-10 from 1918)
0.11680
1918161
(-7 from 1917)
1382
(+22 from 1917)
0.11494
1917154
No change from 1916
1360
(+46 from 1916)
0.12103
1916154
(-10 from 1915)
1314
(+21 from 1915)
0.12103
1915144
(-1 from 1914)
1293
(+255 from 1914)
0.12629
1914143
(-8 from 1913)
1038
(+148 from 1913)
0.13030
1913135
(-6 from 1912)
890
(+8 from 1912)
0.13590
1912129
(-13 from 1911)
882
(+103 from 1911)
0.15033
1911116
(-5 from 1910)
779
(+26 from 1910)
0.17632
1910111
(-4 from 1909)
753
(+83 from 1909)
0.17949
1909107
(+3 from 1908)
670
(+22 from 1908)
0.18202
1908110
(-6 from 1907)
648
(-28 from 1907)
0.18278
1907104
(-3 from 1906)
676
(+32 from 1906)
0.20034
1906101
(-9 from 1905)
644
(-98 from 1905)
0.20547
190592
(+1 from 1904)
742
(+44 from 1904)
0.23946
190493
(-6 from 1903)
698
(-26 from 1903)
0.23869
190387
(-1 from 1902)
724
No change from 1902
0.26025
190286
(-5 from 1901)
724
(-3 from 1901)
0.25827
190181
(+2 from 1900)
727
(-192 from 1900)
0.28596
190083
(-3 from 1899)
919
(+210 from 1899)
0.28923
189980
(-6 from 1898)
709
(-159 from 1898)
0.28648
189874
(-3 from 1897)
868
(+56 from 1897)
0.31662
189771
No change from 1896
812
(-32 from 1896)
0.32706
189671
(-1 from 1895)
844
(-2 from 1895)
0.33493
189570
(-2 from 1894)
846
(-8 from 1894)
0.34236
189468
(-1 from 1893)
854
(+29 from 1893)
0.36191
189367
(-4 from 1892)
825
(-74 from 1892)
0.36629
189263
No change from 1891
899
(+98 from 1891)
0.39971
189163
No change from 1890
801
(-34 from 1890)
0.40750
189063
(-3 from 1889)
835
(+4 from 1889)
0.41406
188960
(+1 from 1888)
831
(-1 from 1888)
0.43918
188861
(-5 from 1887)
832
(+97 from 1887)
0.43918
188756
No change from 1886
735
(+27 from 1886)
0.47290
188656
No change from 1885
708
(+38 from 1885)
0.46054
188556
No change from 1884
670
(+22 from 1884)
0.47201
188456
(-1 from 1883)
648
(+59 from 1883)
0.47098
188355
(+3 from 1882)
589
(+50 from 1882)
0.49059
188258
(-3 from 1881)
539
(+41 from 1881)
0.46588
188155
No change from 1880
498
(+27 from 1880)
0.50377
188055
First SSA data recorded
471
First SSA data recorded
0.48256

American States Popularity Rankings for Nora

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#652021#622022#602023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#672021#662022#622023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#342021#432022#312023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#142021#172022#132023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#112021#112022#112023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#112021#112022#102023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#112021#122022#102023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#202021#162022#212023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#122021#92022#82023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#222021#192022#202023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#162021#232022#202023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#502021#432022#302023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#52021#52022#72023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#132021#122022#132023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#222021#272022#282023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#162021#172022#182023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#672021#562022#622023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#92021#62022#62023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#402021#372022#342023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#422021#382022#532023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#152021#252022#162023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#232021#292022#252023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#342021#272022#432023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#182021#142022#122023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#282021#262022#332023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#342021#262022#182023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#302021#392022#452023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#72021#92022#122023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#172021#302022#442023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#442021#392022#572023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#752021#862022#1682023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#312021#142022#162023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#152021#132022#82023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#112021#192022#182023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#182021#122022#242023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#1002021#1072022#472023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#82021#162022#112023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#82021#42022#122023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#102021#32022#62023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#62021#72022#62023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#92021#112022#222023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#152021#142022#122023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#112021#122022#72023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#752021#332022#532023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#102021#142022#32023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#102021#222022#62023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#492021#542022#912023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#272021#382022#82023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#32021#162022#182023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#212021#382022#172023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#742021#392022#172023

Popularity Rankings for Nora in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#12021#12022#42023

Popularity in Basque Country, Spain

Basque Country, Spain flagBasque Country, Spain#72020#72021#72022

Popularity in Denmark

Denmark flagDenmark#102021#82022#14First half of 2023

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#182020#112021#82022

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#172020#92021#82022

Popularity in Greenland

Greenland flagGreenland#102021

Popularity in Estonia

Estonia flagEstonia#102021-2023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#212021#162022#182023

Popularity in Austria

Austria flagAustria#222020#162021#202022

Popularity in Latvia

Latvia flagLatvia#562015#252020

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#302021#322022#342023

Popularity in Croatia

Croatia flagCroatia#402021#372022#322023

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#422021#372022#412023

Popularity in Galicia, Spain

Galicia, Spain flagGalicia, Spain#492020#392021#482022

Popularity in Spain

Spain flagSpain#472020#432021#462022

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#892021#822022#582023

Popularity in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina flagBosnia and Herzegovina#652020#612021#842022

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#952020#872021#622022

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#642021#982022#722023

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#1002020#1052021#892022

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1302021#1032022#952023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#1352021#1052022#1272023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#1602019#1532020#1232021

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1452021#1632022#1522023

Popularity in Chile

Chile flagChile#1811981#1901982#1901983

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina flagArgentina#1991976#1951980#1901981

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#2352023

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#7112016#5742018#4652022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Nora a Name for Boys or Girls?

Nora is mainly given to girls. It carries a feminine grace that resonates well with parents looking for a sweet and simple name for their daughters.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Nora

Nora in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Nora Roberts (Author, born 1950): A prolific American romance novelist with an extensive bibliography and successful career.
  • Nora Ephron (Screenwriter, 1941–2012): An influential American screenwriter and director renowned for her romantic comedies.
  • Nora Aunor (Actress, born 1953): A celebrated Filipino actress and singer with a long and distinguished career in film and music.
  • Nora Fatehi (Dancer, born 1992): A Canadian dancer and actress prominent in the Indian film industry.
  • Nora Miao (Actress, born 1952): A famous Hong Kong actress recognized for her roles in martial arts films.
  • Nora Lum (Awkwafina) (Actress, born 1988): An American actress and rapper acclaimed for her roles in comedy and drama.
  • Nora En Pure (DJ, born 1990): A South African-Swiss DJ and producer celebrated for her contributions to deep house music.
  • Nora Zehetner (Actress, born 1981): An American actress noted for her roles in TV series and independent films.
  • Nora Bayes (Singer, 1880–1928): An American singer, comedian, and actress who was a popular vaudeville performer.
  • Nora Ephron ("When Harry Met Sally," 1989 Film): An acclaimed writer and director known for this classic romantic comedy.
  • Nora Allen ("The Flash," 2014 TV Series): The mother of Barry Allen, whose murder is a pivotal event in the series.
  • "Nora Roberts" (Novelist): A prolific author known for her romance and suspense novels, many of which have been bestsellers.
  • Nora Durst ("The Leftovers," 2014 TV Series): A character dealing with the disappearance of her family in a mysterious global event.
  • Nora Helmer ("A Doll's House," 1879 Play by Henrik Ibsen): The protagonist of this famous play who struggles with societal norms and personal freedom.
  • "Nora" (2019 Song by Will Sheff): A song reflecting on themes of love and loss.
  • Nora Charles ("The Thin Man," 1934 Film): A witty and charming detective in this classic mystery film.
  • Nora Fries ("Batman: The Animated Series," 1992 TV Series): The wife of Mr. Freeze, whose condition motivates his turn to villainy.
  • Nora Arnezeder ("Safe House," 2012 Film): An actress known for her role in this action thriller.
  • Nora Baker ("Cheaper by the Dozen," 2003 Film): The eldest daughter in a large family, navigating the chaos of family life.
  • Nora Village (Illinois, USA): A small village in Jo Daviess County.
  • Nora River (Tasmania, Australia): A river flowing through Tasmania featuring picturesque scenery.
  • Nora Township (Minnesota, USA): A township in Pope County.
  • Nora Municipality (Örebro County, Sweden): A municipality notable for historical wooden buildings and charming town center.