Norah: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: The name Norah saw a significant rise in popularity due to the success of singer Norah Jones, whose debut album in 2002 brought widespread attention to the name

Norah Overview

Meaning

Honor, respect, woman of honor

Gender

Girl

Origin

Irish, Latin

Etymology

A variant of the name “Nora,” derived from the Latin “Honora,” meaning “honor” or the Irish name “Nóra,” a diminutive of “Honora.”

Pronunciation

/ˈnɔː.rə/

Popularity

Norah is favored in the USA and Ireland, admired for its classic charm. In 2023, Norah ranked #154 for girls in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

11 (Intuitive, Idealistic, Spiritual)

Name Styles

Classic, Vintage, Popular

Associated Traits

Elegant, graceful, timeless

Name Day

October 25 (Ireland)

Norah Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Nora, Nor, Norra, Noreen, Eleanora

Common Nicknames

Nori, Rah, Noey, Norie, Nan

Diminutives

Nory, Rara, Norie, Nono, Nara

Famous People

Norah Jones
(American Singer)
Norah O'Donnell
(American Journalist)
Norah Lofts
(British Author)
Norah Flatley
(American Gymnast)
Norah Richards
(Irish Actress)
Norah McClintock
(Canadian Author)
Norah Vincent
(American Writer)
Norah Lange
(Argentine Writer)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

"Norah's Song"
(Novel)
Norah Walker
("Brothers & Sisters," TV Series)
"Norah's Garden"
(Novel)
Norah
("Norah's Dream," Album)
Norah Price
("Underwater," Film)
"Norah's Adventures"
(Children's Book)

Places

Norah Beach
(New South Wales, Australia)

What Is the Meaning of Norah?

Norah means “light” or “honor,” emphasizing qualities of brightness and dignity. This name is associated with a vibrant and honorable character.

What Is the Origin of The Name Norah?

The name Norah has Irish origins, derived from the name Nóra, which is a variant of Honora, meaning “honor.” It can also be traced to the Arabic name Nura, which means “light.”

Norah Name Popularity

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

United States	#1602021	#1922022	#2012023
Top 3 Rankings	#1362017	#1402018	#1442019

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Norah

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	201 (-9 from 2022)	1479 (-55 from 2022)	0.08455
2022	192 (-32 from 2021)	1534 (-256 from 2021)	0.08555
2021	160 (-8 from 2020)	1790 (-20 from 2020)	0.09991
2020	152 (-8 from 2019)	1810 (-164 from 2019)	0.10239
2019	144 (-4 from 2018)	1974 (-39 from 2018)	0.10758
2018	140 (-4 from 2017)	2013 (-142 from 2017)	0.10825
2017	136 (+18 from 2016)	2155 (+129 from 2016)	0.11407
2016	154 (+5 from 2015)	2026 (-5 from 2015)	0.10466
2015	159 (+4 from 2014)	2031 (+24 from 2014)	0.10411
2014	163 (+25 from 2013)	2007 (+282 from 2013)	0.10259
2013	188 (+22 from 2012)	1725 (+223 from 2012)	0.08949
2012	210 (+53 from 2011)	1502 (+285 from 2011)	0.07744
2011	263 (+35 from 2010)	1217 (+126 from 2010)	0.06281
2010	298 (+45 from 2009)	1091 (+132 from 2009)	0.05564
2009	343 (+133 from 2008)	959 (+293 from 2008)	0.04736
2008	476 (-8 from 2007)	666 (-23 from 2007)	0.03198
2007	468 (+47 from 2006)	689 (+98 from 2006)	0.03255
2006	515 (+8 from 2005)	591 (+33 from 2005)	0.02827
2005	523 (+67 from 2004)	558 (+82 from 2004)	0.02749
2004	590 (+225 from 2003)	476 (+173 from 2003)	0.02359
2003	815 (+1038 from 2002)	303 (+207 from 2002)	0.01510
2002	1853 (+585 from 2001)	96 (+32 from 2001)	0.00486
2001	2438 (+155 from 2000)	64 (+7 from 2000)	0.00323
2000	2593 (+398 from 1999)	57 (+13 from 1999)	0.00286
1999	2991 (+24 from 1998)	44 (+2 from 1998)	0.00226
1998	3015 (+1354 from 1997)	42 (+18 from 1997)	0.00217
1997	4369 (-1132 from 1996)	24 (-12 from 1996)	0.00126
1996	3237 (+433 from 1995)	36 (+7 from 1995)	0.00188
1995	3670 (-134 from 1994)	29 (-2 from 1994)	0.00151
1994	3536 (-315 from 1993)	31 (-4 from 1993)	0.00159
1993	3221 (-247 from 1992)	35 (-4 from 1992)	0.00178
1992	2974 (-39 from 1991)	39 No change from 1991	0.00195
1991	2935 (+22 from 1990)	39 (+1 from 1990)	0.00192
1990	2957 (-299 from 1989)	38 (-4 from 1989)	0.00185
1989	2658 (+86 from 1988)	42 (+4 from 1988)	0.00211
1988	2744 (+587 from 1987)	38 (+11 from 1987)	0.00198
1987	3331 (-197 from 1986)	27 (-2 from 1986)	0.00144
1986	3134 (+36 from 1985)	29 (+1 from 1985)	0.00157
1985	3170 (-656 from 1984)	28 (-9 from 1984)	0.00152
1984	2514 (+269 from 1983)	37 (+6 from 1983)	0.00205
1983	2783 (+388 from 1982)	31 (+4 from 1982)	0.00173
1982	3171 (-556 from 1981)	27 (-8 from 1981)	0.00149
1981	2615 (+185 from 1980)	35 (+3 from 1980)	0.00196
1980	2800 (-76 from 1979)	32 No change from 1979	0.00180
1979	2724 (+558 from 1978)	32 (+9 from 1978)	0.00186
1978	3282 (+331 from 1977)	23 (+3 from 1977)	0.00140
1977	3613 (-1011 from 1976)	20 (-10 from 1976)	0.00122
1976	2602 (+9 from 1975)	30 (+1 from 1975)	0.00191
1975	2611 (+397 from 1974)	29 (+6 from 1974)	0.00186
1974	3008 (-257 from 1973)	23 (-2 from 1973)	0.00147
1973	2751 (+225 from 1972)	25 (+3 from 1972)	0.00161
1972	2976 (+531 from 1971)	22 (+4 from 1971)	0.00136
1971	3507 (+205 from 1970)	18 (+2 from 1970)	0.00103
1970	3712 (+61 from 1969)	16 (+2 from 1969)	0.00087
1969	3773 (-605 from 1968)	14 (-3 from 1968)	0.00079
1968	3168 (-462 from 1967)	17 (-4 from 1967)	0.00099
1967	2706 (+133 from 1966)	21 (+2 from 1966)	0.00122
1966	2839 (-6 from 1965)	19 No change from 1965	0.00108
1965	2833 (-81 from 1964)	19 (-2 from 1964)	0.00104
1964	2752 (-327 from 1963)	21 (-4 from 1963)	0.00107
1963	2425 (+38 from 1962)	25 (+1 from 1962)	0.00126
1962	2463 (-213 from 1961)	24 (-4 from 1961)	0.00118
1961	2250 (+118 from 1960)	28 (+3 from 1960)	0.00135
1960	2368 (+612 from 1959)	25 (+9 from 1959)	0.00120
1959	2980 (-1160 from 1958)	16 (-20 from 1958)	0.00077
1958	1820 (+666 from 1957)	36 (+15 from 1957)	0.00174
1957	2486 (+835 from 1956)	21 (+8 from 1956)	0.00100
1956	3321 (-1099 from 1955)	13 (-11 from 1955)	0.00063
1955	2222 (+297 from 1954)	24 (+5 from 1954)	0.00120
1954	2519 (-761 from 1953)	19 (-13 from 1953)	0.00095
1953	1758 (+913 from 1952)	32 (+16 from 1952)	0.00166
1952	2671 (-1088 from 1951)	16 (-20 from 1951)	0.00084
1951	1583 (+470 from 1950)	36 (+14 from 1950)	0.00195
1950	2053 (-286 from 1949)	22 (-7 from 1949)	0.00125
1949	1767 (+303 from 1948)	29 (+7 from 1948)	0.00165
1948	2070 (-78 from 1947)	22 (-2 from 1947)	0.00126
1947	1992 (+32 from 1946)	24 (+3 from 1946)	0.00132
1946	2024 (-403 from 1945)	21 (-5 from 1945)	0.00130
1945	1621 (+666 from 1944)	26 (+11 from 1944)	0.00193
1944	2287 (-293 from 1943)	15 (-4 from 1943)	0.00110
1943	1994 (-234 from 1942)	19 (-4 from 1942)	0.00132
1942	1760 (+908 from 1941)	23 (+12 from 1941)	0.00165
1941	2668 (-640 from 1940)	11 (-5 from 1940)	0.00088
1940	2028 (+388 from 1939)	16 (+4 from 1939)	0.00135
1939	2416 (-302 from 1938)	12 (-3 from 1938)	0.00106
1938	2114 (+456 from 1937)	15 (+4 from 1937)	0.00131
1937	2570 (+806 from 1936)	11 (+4 from 1936)	0.00100
1936	3376 (-937 from 1935)	7 (-5 from 1935)	0.00065
1935	2439 (-352 from 1934)	12 (-3 from 1934)	0.00110
1934	2087 (+74 from 1933)	15 (+1 from 1933)	0.00139
1933	2161 (+204 from 1932)	14 (+1 from 1932)	0.00134
1932	2365 (-424 from 1931)	13 (-4 from 1931)	0.00118
1931	1941 (+485 from 1930)	17 (+4 from 1930)	0.00154
1930	2426 (-473 from 1929)	13 (-5 from 1929)	0.00111
1929	1953 (-56 from 1928)	18 (-2 from 1928)	0.00156
1928	1897 (-125 from 1927)	20 (-3 from 1927)	0.00167
1927	1772 (+1100 from 1926)	23 (+12 from 1926)	0.00186
1926	2872 (-1077 from 1925)	11 (-12 from 1925)	0.00089
1925	1795 (-152 from 1924)	23 (-4 from 1924)	0.00182
1924	1643 (+448 from 1923)	27 (+9 from 1923)	0.00208
1923	2091 (-134 from 1922)	18 (-2 from 1922)	0.00144
1922	1957 (+552 from 1921)	20 (+6 from 1921)	0.00160
1921	2509 (-758 from 1920)	14 (-9 from 1920)	0.00109
1920	1751 (-102 from 1919)	23 (-1 from 1919)	0.00185
1919	1649 (+105 from 1918)	24 (+2 from 1918)	0.00204
1918	1754 (-247 from 1917)	22 (-3 from 1917)	0.00183
1917	1507 (+739 from 1916)	25 (+11 from 1916)	0.00222
1916	2246 (-675 from 1915)	14 (-8 from 1915)	0.00129
1915	1571 (-186 from 1914)	22 (+1 from 1914)	0.00215
1914	1385 (-27 from 1913)	21 (+3 from 1913)	0.00264
1913	1358 (+486 from 1912)	18 (+8 from 1912)	0.00275
1912	1844 (-188 from 1911)	10 (+1 from 1911)	0.00170
1911	1656 (-321 from 1910)	9 (-3 from 1910)	0.00204
1910	1335 (+136 from 1909)	12 (+3 from 1909)	0.00286
1909	1471 (-210 from 1908)	9 (-2 from 1908)	0.00245
1908	1261 (+123 from 1907)	11 (+2 from 1907)	0.00310
1907	1384 (-283 from 1906)	9 (-3 from 1906)	0.00267
1906	1101 (+137 from 1905)	12 (+2 from 1905)	0.00383
1905	1238 (+248 from 1904)	10 (+3 from 1904)	0.00323
1904	1486 (-410 from 1903)	7 (-4 from 1903)	0.00239
1903	1076 (-204 from 1902)	11 (-5 from 1902)	0.00395
1902	872 (+135 from 1901)	16 (+5 from 1901)	0.00571
1901	1007 (-122 from 1900)	11 (-7 from 1900)	0.00433
1900	885 (+149 from 1899)	18 (+8 from 1899)	0.00567
1899	1034 (+13 from 1898)	10 (-1 from 1898)	0.00404
1898	1047 (-387 from 1897)	11 (-11 from 1897)	0.00401
1897	660 (+94 from 1896)	22 (+4 from 1896)	0.00886
1896	754 (-8 from 1895)	18 No change from 1895	0.00714
1895	746 (+104 from 1894)	18 (+5 from 1894)	0.00728
1894	850 (-111 from 1893)	13 (-3 from 1893)	0.00551
1893	739 (+169 from 1892)	16 (+5 from 1892)	0.00710
1892	908 (-239 from 1891)	11 (-5 from 1891)	0.00489
1891	669 (+156 from 1890)	16 (+5 from 1890)	0.00814
1890	825 (+200 from 1889)	11 (+4 from 1889)	0.00545
1889	1025 (-362 from 1888)	7 (-8 from 1888)	0.00370
1888	663 (+125 from 1887)	15 (+6 from 1887)	0.00792
1887	788 (-131 from 1886)	9 (-3 from 1886)	0.00579
1886	657 (-100 from 1885)	12 (-3 from 1885)	0.00781
1885	557 (+57 from 1884)	15 (+3 from 1884)	0.01057
1884	614 (-191 from 1883)	12 (-8 from 1883)	0.00872
1883	423 (+84 from 1882)	20 (+7 from 1882)	0.01666
1882	507 (-37 from 1881)	13 No change from 1881	0.01124
1881	470 (+110 from 1880)	13 (+4 from 1880)	0.01315
1880	580 First SSA data recorded	9 First SSA data recorded	0.00922

American States Popularity Rankings for Norah

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

California (CA)

#2342021

#2692022

#2212023

Texas (TX)

#2082021

#2842022

#3062023

New York (NY)

#1912021

#2832022

#2142023

Ohio (OH)

#1202021

#1352022

#1542023

Illinois (IL)

#1812021

#1682022

#2072023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#1442021

#1362022

#1572023

Michigan (MI)

#1242021

#1452022

#1282023

Florida (FL)

#2232021

#2402022

#2812023

Minnesota (MN)

#1222021

#1072022

#1412023

Wisconsin (WI)

#1322021

#1362022

#1322023

Indiana (IN)

#2122021

#1252022

#2022023

Washington (WA)

#1122021

#1302022

#1402023

North Carolina (NC)

#1772021

#1742022

#2152023

Massachusetts (MA)

#1142021

#1922022

#1802023

Virginia (VA)

#1862021

#1732022

#2402023

Missouri (MO)

#1702021

#2982022

#2102023

Tennessee (TN)

#1172021

#1382022

#1472023

Georgia (GA)

#1702021

#2382022

#3732023

Colorado (CO)

#1502021

#1762022

#1602023

Utah (UT)

#1442021

#2382022

#1772023

Iowa (IA)

#1232021

#1292022

#1502023

New Jersey (NJ)

#2362021

#3132022

#3412023

Maryland (MD)

#2432021

#1612022

#2522023

Kentucky (KY)

#1712021

#1372022

#1662023

Oregon (OR)

#1242021

#2132022

#1022023

Kansas (KS)

#1192021

#1502022

#1782023

Arizona (AZ)

#2432021

#2632022

#5762023

Alabama (AL)

#1712021

#2702022

#2992023

Oklahoma (OK)

#802021

#4722022

#1992023

South Carolina (SC)

#2422021

#2952022

#3022023

Connecticut (CT)

#2872021

#2392022

#1872023

Nebraska (NE)

#1542021

#1942022

#1812023

Louisiana (LA)

#1762021

#4582022

#2532023

Arkansas (AR)

#1092021

#1842022

#1592023

New Hampshire (NH)

#2002021

#2582022

#802023

Idaho (ID)

#1432021

#1502022

#1602023

Maine (ME)

#1092021

#1312022

#702023

North Dakota (ND)

#632021

#1352022

#1152023

South Dakota (SD)

#962021

#1282022

#1592023

West Virginia (WV)

#1882020

#1172021

#1962023

Rhode Island (RI)

#912020

#712021

#1202022

Mississippi (MS)

#2032020

#2912021

#5152023

Nevada (NV)

#3532020

#2552021

#3542023

District of Columbia (DC)

#1582020

#2412021

#2212022

Montana (MT)

#842020

#1632021

#1822022

New Mexico (NM)

#3052020

#3852021

#3062022

Vermont (VT)

#812020

#462021

#752023

Hawaii (HI)

#2202020

#2162021

#1702023

Alaska (AK)

#2072017

#1442020

#1702022

Wyoming (WY)

#442015

#732016

#442019

Delaware (DE)

#1542011

#1192013

#1222015

Popularity Rankings for Norah in other Countries and American Territories

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

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#752021

#862022

#1122023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#1172020

#1122021

#1122022

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand

#2092021

#1842022

#1612023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

#1902021

#1752022

#1712023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland

#1912021

#2082022

#1732023

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium

#1762020

#1842021

#1962022

Popularity in France

France

#1882019

#1892020

#1972021

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#4642021

#3892022

#2372023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#2832019

#2832020

#2702021

Popularity in Norway

Norway

#2842021

#2712022

#3222023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland

#3192020

#2892021

#3782022

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden

#5012022

#5902023

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

Is Norah a Name for Boys or Girls?

Norah is typically chosen for girls, admired for its graceful and meaningful connotations. The name’s blend of brightness and dignity enhances its widespread favor.

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

Meaning: Light, honor
Origin: LatinNora
Nor
Norra
Noreen
Eleanora

Nori
Rah
Noey
Norie
Nan

Nory
Rara
Norie
Nono
Nara

Meaning: Heavenly, celestial
Origin: LatinCeleste
Elowen
Marigold
Meaning: Blossoming, flourishing, festivity
Origin: GreekThalia
Vesper
Seraphina
Odette
Meaning: Heart, maiden, free man, core, heart, rose garden
Origin: FrenchCoraline

Norah in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Norah Jones (Singer, born 1979): An American singer-songwriter and pianist who has won multiple Grammy Awards for her jazz-influenced music.
Norah O'Donnell (Journalist, born 1974): An American television journalist and anchor for CBS Evening News.
Norah Lofts (Author, 1904–1983): A British author of historical novels, biographies, and short stories.
Norah Flatley (Gymnast, born 2000): An American gymnast known for her collegiate career with UCLA Gymnastics.
Norah Richards (Actress, 1876–1971): An Irish actress and theater director who made significant contributions to Punjabi theater.
Norah McClintock (Author, 1952–2017): A Canadian author of young adult fiction, noted for her crime and mystery novels.
Norah Vincent (Writer, born 1968): An American writer and journalist known for her social critiques and investigative journalism.
Norah Lange (Writer, 1905–1972): An Argentine writer and poet associated with the avant-garde literary movement.

"Norah's Song" (2016 Novel): A heartwarming story about Norah, a young woman discovering her passion for music and finding her voice.
Norah Walker ("Brothers & Sisters," 2006 TV Series): The strong-willed and loving matriarch of the Walker family, dealing with the complexities of her children's lives.
"Norah's Garden" (2017 Novel): A touching novel where Norah finds solace and transformation in nurturing a neglected garden.
Norah ("Norah's Dream," 2018 Album): A beautiful music album filled with soulful songs capturing Norah's emotional journey and aspirations.
Norah Price ("Underwater," 2020 Film): A mechanical engineer and the protagonist who survives a catastrophic earthquake in an underwater drilling station.
"Norah's Adventures" (2019 Children's Book): A delightful story where Norah explores magical lands and learns valuable life lessons.

Norah City (Alaska, USA): A small city in Alaska surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and wildlife.
Norah Park (Dublin, Ireland): A beautiful park in Dublin, perfect for relaxing walks and enjoying nature.
Norah Beach (New South Wales, Australia): A popular beach in New South Wales, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Norah River (Ontario, Canada): A serene river in Ontario, great for canoeing and fishing.
Norah Island (Scotland, UK): A picturesque island in Scotland known for its rugged beauty and historic sites.
Norah Valley (California, USA): A picturesque valley in California offering scenic views and outdoor activities.
Norah Forest (Bavaria, Germany): A dense forest in Bavaria, perfect for hiking and exploring nature.
Norah Bay (British Columbia, Canada): A stunning bay in British Columbia, known for its scenic coastal views.

Meaning: Light, honor
Origin: LatinNora
Meaning: Maiden, core, heart
Origin: GreekCora
Flora
Meaning: Bay laurel, laurel
Origin: LatinLaura
Dora
Sora
Thora
Zora

Sibling Names for Norah

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Norah Also Like

Norah is a name that stands the test of time, offering a message of elegance and charm. It’s a beautiful choice for any child. Thanks for joining me. Continue exploring to find the perfect name for your little one.

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Norah Name Meaning