"my light"
Leora
Pronunciation: [ l-EHR-uh ]
A radiant Hebrew name meaning 'my light'
Meaning & Origin
"light is mine"
The Story of Leora
Leora is a variant of Liora, a Hebrew name composed of 'li' (to me, my) and 'or' (light), meaning 'my light' or 'light is mine.' It is related to Eleanor through historical linguistic pathways, though the pure Hebrew root gives Leora a distinct spiritual quality. The name has been treasured in Jewish communities for centuries, embodying the central role of light in Jewish tradition and spirituality.
Leora appeared in English-speaking communities in the early 20th century and has enjoyed a quiet revival as parents seek vintage names with gentle sounds and meaningful origins. It fits beautifully within the broader trend toward short Hebrew names like Nora, Mira, and Zara.
Light imagery is absolutely central to Jewish tradition — from Shabbat candles to Hanukkah menorahs to the Havdalah ceremony — making Leora a deeply resonant choice for Jewish families. In Israel, Liora has been a consistently beloved name for generations.
Fun Facts
- The Hebrew root 'or' meaning light also appears in Aurora, Orly, and the biblical Urim (the sacred lights)
- Liora/Leora are among the few Hebrew names that build the possessive 'li' (my) directly into the name itself
Leora in Other Languages
Famous People Named Leora
Liora
Musician
1983
Israeli singer and songwriter known for her soulful voice and representing Israel at international festivals
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,528
- Total SSA Count
- 140
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew Jewish English Israeli
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Leora is also used as a boy name, ranked #19919.
View Leora as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Leora
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About the Name Leora
Leora is a girl name with Hebrew, Jewish, English, and Israeli origins . The name means "my light" in Hebrew .
Is Leora a boy or girl name? Leora is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,528 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,919. Leora is more commonly used as a girl name.
Leora is currently ranked #1,528 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Leora has 3 syllables and is pronounced l-EHR-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Leora include Lee, Lea, and Ora. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.