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Thora

Pronunciation: [ th-AWR-uh ]

Girl Name #4,926 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A Norse thunder goddess — power in two syllables

Scandinavian Norse Icelandic Danish
Strong Vintage Bold Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"thunder goddess, feminine Thor"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: Norse
"thunder"
Origin: Proto-Germanic
Language: Norse

The Story of Thora

Thora is the feminine form of Thor, the Norse god of thunder, lightning, and strength. The name derives from the Old Norse 'Þórr,' itself from the Proto-Germanic 'Þunraz' meaning 'thunder.' Thora was widely used in medieval Scandinavia, particularly in Iceland and Denmark, where it remained a traditional name through the centuries.

Thora has seen renewed interest in the 2010s-2020s as Norse mythology gained mainstream popularity through Marvel's Thor films and the God of War video games. The name appeals to parents seeking a strong, mythological feminine name with genuine historical roots.

In Scandinavian countries, Thora remains a classic feminine name with centuries of use. In Norse mythology, Thor was the protector of humanity, and Thora carries that protective, powerful energy in feminine form. Iceland and Denmark have records of the name dating to the Viking Age.

Fun Facts

  • The Icelandic form Þóra has been recorded as a given name since at least the 12th century
  • Thora Birch, the American actress known for American Beauty and Ghost World, is one of the most famous modern bearers

Thora in Other Languages

Danish Thora
Swedish Tora
Icelandic Þóra
Norwegian Tora/Thora

Popularity Over Time

#4,926
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem Based on SSA data 1880–present

Famous People Named Thora

T

Thora Birch

Actor

1982

American actress known for American Beauty (1999) and Ghost World (2001)

T

Thora Hird

Actor

1911

Beloved British actress and national treasure known for her long career in film, stage and television

T

Thora Fictional

Other

A shield-maiden character in various Norse saga retellings, embodying the warrior spirit of the name

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#4,926
Total SSA Count
27
Cultural Origins
Scandinavian Norse Icelandic Danish
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
High

Common Nicknames

Thory

Pairs Well With

Thora Rose Thora Jane Thora May Thora Elise Thora Sigrid Thora Ingrid

Sibling Names

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Frequently Asked Questions About Thora

What does the name Thora mean?
"thunder goddess, feminine Thor" (from Old Norse). "thunder" (from Proto-Germanic). Thora is the feminine form of Thor, the Norse god of thunder, lightning, and strength. The name derives from the Old Norse 'Þórr,' itself from the Proto-Germanic 'Þunraz' meaning 'thunder.' Thora was widely used in medieval Scandinavia, particularly in Iceland and Denmark, where it remained a traditional name through the centuries.
What is the origin of the name Thora?
Thora has Old Norse, Proto-Germanic, Scandinavian, Norse, Icelandic, and Danish origins. In Old Norse, it means "thunder goddess, feminine Thor". In Proto-Germanic, it means "thunder".
Is Thora a boy or girl name?
Thora is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Thora?
Thora is pronounced th-AWR-uh.
How popular is the name Thora?
Thora is currently ranked #4926 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Thora?
Common nicknames for Thora include Thory.
What are good middle names for Thora?
Popular middle name pairings include Thora Rose, Thora Jane, Thora May, Thora Elise, Thora Sigrid, and Thora Ingrid.
What are good sibling names for Thora?
Names that pair well with Thora as siblings include Astrid, Freya, Soren, Erik, Sigrid, and Bjorn.
How many syllables does Thora have?
Thora has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Thora a common or rare name?
Thora is an uncommon name, ranked #4926 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Thora

Thora is a girl name with Scandinavian, Norse, Icelandic, and Danish origins . The name means "thunder goddess, feminine Thor" in Old Norse .

Thora is currently ranked #4,926 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Thora has 2 syllables and is pronounced th-AWR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Thora include Thory. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

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