Cora: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced KOR-uh · 2 syllables
Cora means “maiden”, from Greek.
Apparently brought up in English literature by James Fenimore Cooper in The Last of the Mohicans (1826), but compare a female heroine of this name in Jean-Francois Marmontel's Les Incas (1777) and the Ancient Greek epithet (Kore) for (Persephone). It could also refer directly to (kore, “maiden”).
- Meaning
- maiden
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- KOR-uh
- US rank (2025)
- #113
- US babies a year
- about 2,769 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback
How popular is Cora?
Cora was the #113 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,428 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #113 |
| England & Wales | #153 |
| Scotland | #67 |
| Northern Ireland | #43 |
| Ireland | #78 |
| Canada | #505 |
| Australia | #125 |
How old are people named Cora?
Half of US adults named Cora are older than 55; most are between 19 and 88. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Cora
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Cora
What does the name Cora mean?
Cora means “maiden”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Cora?
Cora is pronounced KOR-uh.
How popular is the name Cora?
Cora was the #113 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,428 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Cora?
Half of US adults named Cora are older than 55. Most are between 19 and 88.