Cora is a female given name from Ancient Greek that most commonly means “maiden,” though it can also stem from a Gaelic root meaning just, honest, virtuous, or good. Parents exploring meanings of baby names often choose Cora for its simplicity, gentle cadence, and classical heritage.
Meaning and Origin
Cora is a female given name with multiple origins. In contemporary usage, it is most commonly viewed as a variant name derived from the Ancient Greek Κόρη (Kórē). In Greek mythology, Kórē serves as an epithet of the goddess Persephone (Περσεφόνη). The name also connects directly to the Ancient Greek common noun κόρη (kórē), which translates as “maiden.”
The name holds an established place in literature across multiple languages. It was brought up in English literature by American author James Fenimore Cooper, who gave the name to a central character in his 1826 novel The Last of the Mohicans. Earlier, a female heroine carrying the name Cora appeared in French author Jean-François Marmontel’s 1777 work Les Incas.
Alternatively, but rarely, Cora may be rooted in the Gaelic language. In Gaelic, cora functions as the comparative form of cóir, which carries the qualities of being just, honest, virtuous, or good. Recognized variant forms of this name include Kora and Korra.
Pronunciation
Cora is pronounced as KOR-uh.
It is a two-syllable name with the primary stress placed on the first syllable. The first syllable rhymes with for, door, and floor. The second syllable rhymes with duh and the unstressed ending of sofa.
Both syllables combine smoothly to produce a clear, gentle sound that is easy to say and recognize.
Popularity in the US
Cora is most often given to girls, representing a total of 156,028 US girls who have received the name in total since 1880. The name first appears in 1880, which also marks its peak rank at #15. Over the next several decades, usage cooled considerably, so that by 1950 it occupied rank #289 with 734 babies, eventually dropping to rank #770 with 214 babies in 1980. Renewed interest began around the turn of the century, when the name climbed back to rank #481 with 564 babies in 2000 and rose further to rank #275 with 1,206 babies in 2010. That upward trajectory accelerated as Cora reentered the top one hundred at rank #88 with 3,036 babies in 2020. In 2025, the name held its latest rank of #113 with 2,428 babies.
| Year | US rank (girls) | Babies named Cora |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #289 | 734 |
| 1980 | #770 | 214 |
| 2000 | #481 | 564 |
| 2010 | #275 | 1,206 |
| 2020 | #88 | 3,036 |
| 2025 | #113 | 2,428 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Common pet forms and short forms of the name itself include Coco, Cory, Cori, and Corrie.
Because Cora is already a compact two-syllable name, many families prefer to use the full name directly, while casual options like Coco provide an affectionate everyday choice.
Famous People Named Cora
Several notable individuals throughout history have carried the name Cora:
- Cora Witherspoon (1890 to 1957) was an American stage and screen actress who built a long career across theater and film. She debuted on Broadway in 1910 and later acted in dozens of Hollywood feature productions.
- Cora Crane (1865 to 1910) was an American journalist, novelist, and war correspondent. She gained prominence as one of the first female war correspondents, reporting on the Greco-Turkish War in 1897.
- Cora Walton (1928 to 2009), known professionally by her stage name Koko Taylor, was an acclaimed American blues vocalist. Her powerful vocal style earned her a Grammy Award and national recognition as the Queen of the Blues.
Middle and Sibling Names
Middle names that pair smoothly with Cora include Claire, Grace, Jane, June, Mae, Rose, Ruth, and Hazel.
Sibling names that complement Cora include Arthur, Felix, Henry, Jasper, Oliver, Clara, Evelyn, Violet, and Charlotte.
FAQ
What variant forms exist for the name Cora?
Recognized variant forms of Cora include Kora and Korra. Both versions share the classical roots and literary associations of the traditional spelling, offering alternative presentations while keeping the familiar two-syllable sound.
How many American girls have received the name Cora in total?
A total of 156,028 girls in the United States have been given the name Cora since 1880. This substantial count reflects enduring appreciation across generations, establishing it as a familiar presence in American naming traditions.
How does Cora’s peak standing compare with its latest position?
Cora reached its peak rank at #15 in 1880, compared to its latest position of #113 in 2025 with 2,428 babies. While it held a top-twenty spot in the late nineteenth century, its modern standing shows that the name remains widely favored by parents today.
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