"maiden, young woman"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Kora
Pronunciation: [ k-AWR-uh ]
Girl Name
#491 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
A mythic maiden's name, soft and timeless
English
American
Greek
Vintage
Gentle
Classic
Elegant
Earthy
Meaning & Origin
"girl (divine feminine)"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Greek
The Story of Kora
Kora is a spelling variant of Cora, derived from the ancient Greek 'Kore,' simply meaning 'maiden' or 'girl.' In Greek mythology, Kore was the original name of Persephone, goddess of spring and the underworld, before she was abducted by Hades. The name was brought into English literary use by James Fenimore Cooper, who used it in The Last of the Mohicans (1826). The alternate spelling Kora gives the name a slightly more modern visual identity.
Cora/Kora has surged dramatically since the 2010s as part of the broader vintage name revival. The hugely popular British drama Downton Abbey, featuring Lady Cora Crawley, brought significant attention to the name from 2010 onward. Parents seeking a gentle vintage alternative to Nora and Flora have embraced Kora.
Kore/Persephone was one of the central figures of ancient Greek religion, with mystery cults dedicated to her worship throughout the Mediterranean. The Eleusinian Mysteries, one of the most important religious rites of ancient Greece, centered on Persephone's story.
Fun Facts
- In Greek mythology, Kore (Persephone) eating pomegranate seeds in the underworld is what mythologically explains the seasons
- The word 'corollary' shares a Latin root — corona — related to the Greek kore concept of the maiden
Kora in Other Languages
Greek
Κόρη (Kore)
French
Coré
German
Kora
Italian
Cora
Spanish
Cora
Famous People Named Kora
C
Cora Pearl
Other
1835
Famous 19th-century courtesan who was one of the great demi-mondaines of Second Empire Paris
C
Cora Crawley Fictional
Other
The Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, an American heiress who married into British nobility
K
Korra Fictional
Other
The protagonist of The Legend of Korra, the powerful Avatar who bends all four elements
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #491
- Total SSA Count
- 621
- Cultural Origins
- English American Greek
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ko
Kore
Pairs Well With
Kora Jean
Kora Mae
Kora Ann
Kora Belle
Kora Lee
Kora Faye
Kora Lynn
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kora
What does the name Kora mean?
"maiden, young woman" (from Greek). "girl (divine feminine)" (from Ancient Greek). Kora is a spelling variant of Cora, derived from the ancient Greek 'Kore,' simply meaning 'maiden' or 'girl.' In Greek mythology, Kore was the original name of Persephone, goddess of spring and the underworld, before she was abducted by Hades. The name was brought into English literary use by James Fenimore Cooper, who used it in The Last of the Mohicans (1826). The alternate spelling Kora gives the name a slightly more modern visual identity.
What is the origin of the name Kora?
Kora has Greek, Ancient Greek, English, and American origins. In Greek, it means "maiden, young woman". In Ancient Greek, it means "girl (divine feminine)".
Is Kora a boy or girl name?
Kora is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kora?
Kora is pronounced k-AWR-uh.
How popular is the name Kora?
Kora is currently ranked #491 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kora?
Common nicknames for Kora include Ko and Kore.
What are good middle names for Kora?
Popular middle name pairings include Kora Jean, Kora Mae, Kora Ann, Kora Belle, Kora Lee, Kora Faye, and Kora Lynn.
What are good sibling names for Kora?
Names that pair well with Kora as siblings include Nora, Phoebe, Iris, Milo, Rowan, Jasper, and Flora.
How many syllables does Kora have?
Kora has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kora a common or rare name?
Kora is a popular name, ranked #491 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Kora
Kora is a girl name with English, American, and Greek origins . The name means "maiden, young woman" in Greek .
Kora is currently ranked #491 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kora has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AWR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kora include Ko and Kore. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kora include Kori, Korra, Koraline, Korbyn, Korie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.