Rooted in Greek history, the name carries the innocent meaning of “maiden,” yet it is inextricably linked to the powerful dual-nature goddess Persephone. This gives the name a hidden depth, it is sweet, but it has a backbone.
Verdict: Cora is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the charm of the “grandmother name” trend without feeling dusty, making it a timeless pick for a daughter who will grow up to be as strong as she is kind.
Cora Overview
- Meaning: Cora means girl or maiden.
- Gender: Cora is overwhelmingly a girl’s name.
- Origin: The name Cora originates from Greek.
- Pronunciation: The name Cora is pronounced as KOR-ah.
- Popularity: The name is quite popular, as it is part of the rising trend of using traditional vintage names for babies.
- Nicknames: Cor, Cori, Coco.
- Variations: Core, Kora, Korra, Kore.
- Namesakes: Cora Brown, US state senator, Cora Seton, author.
What Does Cora Mean?
At its core, the name Cora means “maiden” or “daughter.” While the definition seems simple, the etymology is steeped in ancient lore. It is derived from the Greek word Kórē.
In mythology, Kórē was the epithet (or byname) used for the goddess Persephone. Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter who was abducted by Hades to become the Queen of the Underworld. Consequently, the name Cora represents a duality: it signifies the innocence of spring and vegetation (associated with her mother Demeter) as well as the power and mystery of the afterlife.
Where Does the Name Cora Come From?
The name Cora is distinctly Greek in origin. However, its journey from an ancient title to a modern given name is fascinating.
While “Kore” existed in antiquity, the Latinized spelling “Cora” was popularized much later. The name was firmly introduced to the English-speaking world by James Fenimore Cooper in his famous 1826 novel, The Last of the Mohicans, where the character Cora Munro is portrayed as brave and noble.
Prior to Cooper, the French writer Jean-François Marmontel used the name in his 1777 novel Les Incas (1).
There are also claims that Cora has separate roots as a Gaelic girl name, potentially derived from the word còir, meaning “just,” “honest,” or “virtuous.” While the Greek origin is the primary academic consensus, this Celtic connection adds a layer of moral fortitude to the name.
How Popular is the Name Cora?
Cora is a textbook example of the “100-year rule” in baby naming: names that were popular a century ago often return to fashion today.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cora was a household staple, consistently ranking in the Top 20 names in the United States. As the decades passed, it slowly fell out of favor, hitting its lowest point in the 1980s.
However, the 21st century has seen a massive resurgence for Cora. Fueled by the “vintage revival” trend and pop culture influences like Downton Abbey, the name skyrocketed back up the charts starting in the 2010s. It is now firmly established as a popular choice, beloved for its simplicity and classic style (2). It is no longer a “rare gem” but rather a “modern classic.”
How Do I Pronounce Cora?
The standard pronunciation in English is KOR-ah. It rhymes with “flora” or “aura.”
The emphasis is placed on the first syllable. It is a straightforward phonetic name, which is a significant advantage for parents seeking a name that is easy to spell and say.
Is Cora a Boy or Girl Name?
Cora is a traditionally feminine name. Because of its direct link to the Greek word for “maiden” and the goddess Persephone, it has historically been reserved for girls.
While name boundaries are becoming more fluid, Cora remains overwhelmingly female. Historical data shows only two years (1900 and 1903) where it briefly appeared in the top 1000 for boys, likely due to clerical errors or surname-as-first-name usage (3).
Variations of Cora
While Cora is the most common spelling in English-speaking countries, the name has traveled across borders. Here are the variations you might encounter:
- Kore: The original Ancient Greek spelling.
- Kora: A modern German or Scandinavian spelling.
- Korra: A variation popularized by modern animation.
- Corinna: A Latinized elaboration.
- Corinne: The French variation.
- Corina: Used in Spanish and Romanian.
- Core: An archaic spelling.
Nicknames for Cora
Cora is short enough to stand on its own, but affectionate nicknames are inevitable. Here are standard and creative options for your little one:
Common Nicknames:
- Cor
- Cori
- Coco
- Corey
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Cora-Bear: A cute animal pairing.
- Ora: Focusing on the ending sound.
- CeCe: Based on the initial “C” sound.
Names Similar to Cora
If you love the vibe of Cora but want to explore other avenues, consider these names that share its vintage charm, vowel-heavy sound, or shortness.
- Nora: Rhymes with Cora but feels slightly more Irish in spirit.
- Clara: Shares the “C” start and the vintage Victorian era feel.
- Flora: Another botanical-sounding, two-syllable Latin name.
- Luna: Shares the celestial, soft, short structure.
- Iris: Like Cora, this is a Greek name with mythological roots (Goddess of the Rainbow).
- Hazel: A nature name that was popular in the exact same era as Cora.
- Stella: Meaning “star,” it shares the Latin/Vintage revival energy.
- Vera: A Russian/Latin name meaning “faith” or “truth” with a similar sound profile.
Middle Names for Cora
Cora is a short, two-syllable name, which makes it incredibly versatile. It pairs well with long, flowing middle names or punchy, modern ones.
Classic & Elegant
These pairings emphasize the timeless, sophisticated nature of the name.
Nature-Inspired
Lean into the “Persephone” goddess of spring connection with these earthy choices.
Modern & Spunky
Contrast the vintage feel of Cora with something short and energetic.
Sibling Names for Cora
Building a sibset around Cora means looking for names that feel established and historical, yet accessible.
For a Brother
For a Sister
Famous People Named Cora
Throughout history, women named Cora have made their mark in politics, literature, and the arts.
- Cora Brown (1914, 1972): A trailblazer, she was the first African-American woman elected to a U.S. state senate.
- Cora “Koko” Taylor (1928, 2009): An American singer known as the “Queen of the Blues.”
- Cora Crane (1868, 1910): An American businesswoman, writer, and the common-law wife of author Stephen Crane.
- Cora Coralina (1889, 1985): A famous Brazilian poet and writer considered one of the most important writers in Portuguese.
- Cora Emmanuel (born 1992): A prominent French fashion model.
Cora in Pop Culture
Fiction has played a massive role in keeping the name Cora alive in the public consciousness.
- Cora Crawley: The Countess of Grantham in the smash-hit series Downton Abbey. She brought elegance and American wealth to the British aristocracy.
- Cora Munro: The heroine of James Fenimore Cooper’s classic novel The Last of the Mohicans.
- Cora Mills: Also known as the Queen of Hearts, a major antagonist with a complex backstory in ABC’s Once Upon a Time.
- Korra: The powerful title character of the animated series The Legend of Korra, a sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender.
- Cora: A character in the novel The Postman Always Rings Twice.
FAQs About the Name Cora
Here are answers to the most common questions we hear about this beautiful name.
What Is the Name Cora Short For?
The name Cora is a complete name on its own and does not need to be a nickname. However, it can occasionally be used as a shortened form for names like Corinne, Corinna, Cordelia, or even Coraline.
Is Cora an Irish Name?
While mostly recognized as Greek, there is a linguistic theory that Cora has Gaelic roots. It may stem from the word còir, meaning “just” or “righteous.” However, the Greek mythological origin is the most widely accepted.
What Is Cora the Goddess Of?
The name Cora is an epithet for Persephone. Persephone is the Greek goddess of spring growth and vegetation. After her abduction by Hades, she also became the Queen of the Underworld, ruling over the afterlife.
Does Cora Mean Heart?
No, strictly speaking, Cora means “maiden.” However, it sounds nearly identical to the root word for heart in Romance languages (Latin cor, French cœur, Italian cuore). This gives the name a beautiful, albeit accidental, association with love and the heart.
Is Cora a Boy or Girl Name?
Cora is overwhelmingly a female name. While it was occasionally used for boys in the very early 1900s (likely due to surname crossover), it is considered a girl’s name today.
Is the Name Cora Biblical?
No, the name Cora does not appear in the Bible. It is of Greek pagan origin. However, there is a figure named “Korah” (a male Levite) in the Old Testament, but this is a distinct Hebrew name with a different meaning (“baldness” or “ice”) and is not related to the female name Cora.
What Flowers are Associated with Cora?
Because Cora is a name for Persephone (the Goddess of Spring), the name is associated with all spring blooms. Specifically, the pomegranate flower is significant, as the pomegranate fruit is the symbol of Persephone’s tie to the Underworld.
Is Cora a Rare Name?
Not anymore. While it was considered rare in the 1970s and 1980s, Cora has surged in popularity and is now a top-ranking name in the United States, frequently appearing in the top 100.
Does Cora Mean “Just”?
If you subscribe to the theory that Cora is derived from the Gaelic còir, then yes, it can mean “just,” “honest,” or “fair.” This provides a lovely alternative meaning to the standard Greek “maiden.”
What Names Rhyme with Cora?
Cora belongs to a family of “-ora” ending names. It rhymes perfectly with Nora, Dora, Flora, Lora, Thora, and Zora.
