Kathryn vs Nora

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Kathryn

Girl #716 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"pure, clear"

Origin: Greek katharos

Cultural Roots

English American Irish Scottish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#716
Total SSA Count
391
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Kate, Kathy, Kat

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Kathryn →

Nora

Girl #22 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"woman of honor"

Origin: Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish English American Scandinavian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#22
Total SSA Count
6,128
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Nor

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Nora →

Popularity Comparison

Kathryn Rank #716
Nora Rank #22

Nora is more popular, ranked #22 vs #716 for Kathryn.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Kathryn ___

  • Kathryn Anne
  • Kathryn Elizabeth
  • Kathryn Marie
  • Kathryn Louise
  • Kathryn Grace
  • Kathryn Jane

Nora ___

  • Nora Grace
  • Nora Jane
  • Nora Claire
  • Nora Rose
  • Nora Kate
  • Nora Faye

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Kathryn

Margaret Elizabeth William Thomas Eleanor

If you choose Nora

Finn Declan Ellie Jack Sienna

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kathryn or Nora more popular?

Nora is more popular, ranked #22 compared to Kathryn at #716 in the United States.

What do Kathryn and Nora mean?

Kathryn means "pure, clear" (Greek katharos origin). Nora means "woman of honor" (Irish origin).

Are Kathryn and Nora boy or girl names?

Kathryn is primarily a girl name. Nora is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

Nora vs Kathryn Kathryn vs Zyla Kathryn vs Kiana Kathryn vs Rowyn Kathryn vs Maliyah
← Full profile: Kathryn ← Full profile: Nora Browse all baby names