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Origin, Meaning, And History of Nora
“Nora” is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the name “Eleanor,” which means “light” or “bright.” The name “Nora” is often used as a shortened form of Eleanor and has lately become a popular name in its own right. It is also associated with the Latin word “honors,” which means “honorable.”
The name “Nora” has a long history, originating in the early 19th century, and was especially popular in Ireland and Scotland as a nickname. However, it spread to other countries, including the United States and Australia, and grew in popularity post the 20th century.
“Nora” has several variations in different languages and cultures. Some of the most common variations include Norah, a common variant used in Scotland and Ireland. Nora is also the Scottish feminine for Norman, rooted in the Germanic “Nordman,” meaning man from the North. Other variations also include “Noora” in Finland, “Nóra” in Ireland, “Norina” in Italy, “Norine” in English and French, and “Norita” in Spanish.
The name “Nora” also has a strong and varied fictional presence across literature, film, and television. Here are a few notable examples- Nora Helmer was the protagonist in Henrik Ibsen’s play “A Doll’s House.” Nora is a young wife who rebels against society’s traditional expectations and fights for her independence.
Nora Charles is another popular character in the “Thin Man” series of novels and films by Dashiell Hammett. Nora is the wife of detective Nick Charles and is known for her wit, charm, and elegance. Finally, Nora Walker is a character from the television drama “Brothers & Sisters.” Nora is the matriarch of the Walker family and is known for her strength, determination, and love for her family.
Nora Allen, the mother of Barry Allen in the DC Comics universe, is also a famous character. Nora is a recurring character in the Flash comics and has appeared in several adaptations of the Flash story, including the TV series.
Nora
How To Pronounce Nora?
Famous People With The Name Nora
- Nora CamposAmerican politician
- Nora DunblaneAmerican actress and writer
- Nora Trueblood GauseAmerican humanitarian
- Norah O’DonnellAmerican journalist
- Nora Cate SchaefferAmerican sociologist
- Norah GibbonsIrish children’s advocate and social worker
- Princess Nora of LiechtensteinLiechtenstein Princess
- Nora Swinburne British actress
- Nora W. TysonVice admiral, First woman to lead a United States Navy ship fleet
- Nora PerryAmerican poet and writer
Nora On The Popularity Chart
Nora’s popularity and ranking have significantly improved over the last few years. Here is a graphic representation depicting its growth over time.
Popularity Over Time
Following a prolonged drop in popularity, the name began to gain ground after 2002. Take a peek at the recent popularity trends to see how they have changed.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
Over the last two decades, the name Nora has grown in popularity. In 2013, it was among the top 100 baby girl names. Check out the graph for detailed insights.
Source: Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Nora
Looking for sibling names for Nora? Here are some of the popular options with similar phonetics.
Names With the Same Meaning As Nora
If you liked the name Nora but were looking for a different meaning, you might want to check out some of these alternatives.
Name Numerology For Nora
