Cora
Cora: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɔːɹə/ · /ˈkoɹə/
Meaning and origin of Cora
- A female given name from Ancient Greek.
Etymology
Apparently brought up in English literature by James Fenimore Cooper in The Last of the Mohicans (1826), but compare a female heroine of this name in Jean-François Marmontel's Les Incas (1777) and the Ancient Greek epithet Κόρη (Kórē) for Περσεφόνη (Persephónē). It could also refer directly to κόρη (kórē, “maiden”).
How popular is Cora?
Since 1880, 156,028 girls and 387 boys in the U.S. have been named Cora (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #15 in 1880. Its highest rank for boys was #673 in 1884. In 2025 it ranked #113 for girls, with 2,428 babies given the name.
Names similar to Cora
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Greek girl names
Sibling name ideas for Cora
Sister and brother names that share Cora's Greek roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Cora FAQ
What does the name Cora mean?
A female given name from Ancient Greek. Apparently brought up in English literature by James Fenimore Cooper in The Last of the Mohicans (1826), but compare a female heroine of this name in Jean-François Marmontel's Les Incas (1777) and the Ancient Greek epithet Κόρη (Kórē) for Περσεφόνη (Persephónē). It could also refer directly to κόρη (kórē, “maiden”).
What is the origin of the name Cora?
Cora is listed as a name of Greek origin.
How popular is the name Cora?
Since 1880, 156,028 girls and 387 boys in the U.S. have been named Cora (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #15 in 1880. Its highest rank for boys was #673 in 1884. In 2025 it ranked #113 for girls, with 2,428 babies given the name.
Is Cora a boy or girl name?
Cora is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 156,028 girls and 387 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.