Cora is a name that has been around for centuries and has a rich history and meaning. The name has its roots in Greek mythology and has been used throughout history in different cultures and languages. In this article, we will explore the origin and meaning of the name Cora, its popularity, famous people named Cora, and variations of the name.
The name Cora is derived from the Greek word “Korē,” which means “maiden” or “daughter.” In Greek mythology, Cora was an epithet of the goddess Persephone, who was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter and the queen of the underworld. The name has since been used in different cultures and languages, such as Gaelic, where it means “just, honest, virtuous or good.”
Cora has become a popular name in recent years, ranking in the top 100 baby names for girls in the United States. The name has also been used by famous people, such as the chef Cat Cora and the singer Koko Taylor. Variations of the name include Kora and Korra. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning and significance of the name Cora.
Key Takeaways
- Cora is a name with Greek origins that means “maiden” or “daughter.”
- The name has become increasingly popular in recent years and has been used by famous people such as Cat Cora and Koko Taylor.
- Variations of the name include Kora and Korra, and the name has different meanings in different cultures and languages.
Origin of Cora
Cora is a name with a rich history and meaning. Let’s take a closer look at the origins of this beautiful name.
Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Cora, or Kore, was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. She was the goddess of Spring and fertility, and was often associated with the underworld. As the wife of Hades, she became the queen of the underworld and was known as Persephone. The name Cora is derived from the Greek word “korē,” which means “maiden” or “daughter.”
American History
In American history, Cora became a popular name in the late 19th and early 20th century. It was often used as a short form of the name Coralie, which means “coral” in French. Cora was also used as a nickname for the name Cordelia, which means “heart” in Latin.
During this time, Cora was a popular name for African American girls, particularly in the southern United States. It was often given to girls who were born into slavery or who were the daughters of former slaves. Cora became a symbol of strength and resilience for these girls and their families.
Today, the name Cora remains popular around the world. It is a name that is both timeless and modern, and is often associated with grace, beauty, and strength.
Meaning of Cora
In Greek
Cora is a name of Greek origin that means “maiden,” “young girl,” or “daughter.” In Greek mythology, Cora was an alternate name for Persephone, the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. Persephone was the goddess of Spring and the queen of the underworld, and she was also associated with fertility and agriculture. The Greek word “korē” can mean girl, maiden, or daughter, and it was often used as an epithet for Persephone.
In English
In English, Cora is a name that has been used since the 19th century. It is a shortened form of the name Coralie, which is derived from the Latin word “corallium,” meaning coral. Cora is also sometimes considered a diminutive of the name Cordelia, which means “heart” or “daughter of the sea” in Celtic.
Cora has become a popular name in recent years, ranking in the top 1000 names for baby girls in the United States. It has a simple and classic sound, and its Greek origins give it a sense of mythological and historical significance.
Overall, the name Cora has a timeless and elegant quality, and its meaning of “maiden” or “young girl” makes it a fitting choice for parents who want to give their daughter a name that is both beautiful and meaningful.
Popularity of the Name Cora
Cora is a charming name that has been around for centuries. It has Greek origins and means “filled heart.” The name has been gaining popularity in recent years, making it a trendy choice for parents looking for a classic yet unique name for their baby girl.
According to BabyCenter user data, Cora is expected to be the 80th most popular baby name in 2023, with a rise of 29 spots from the previous year. The name has been steadily climbing the charts for the past decade, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
In addition to its growing popularity in the United States, Cora is also a favorite in other countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It’s not hard to see why – the name has a timeless quality that appeals to a wide range of people.
One reason for Cora’s popularity is its simplicity. It’s easy to spell and pronounce, making it a practical choice for parents who want a name that won’t cause confusion. Additionally, the name has a vintage feel that is both charming and elegant.
Overall, the popularity of the name Cora is a testament to its enduring appeal. Whether you’re looking for a name that is classic, trendy, or somewhere in between, Cora is a great option to consider.
Famous People Named Cora
Cora is a name that has been used by many notable individuals throughout history. Here are a few famous people named Cora:
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Cora Coralina: She was a Brazilian poet and writer. She is known for her works that depict the life of the rural people of Brazil.
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Cora Du Bois: She was an American cultural anthropologist who contributed significantly to the study of the culture of the people of New Guinea.
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Cora Mae Brown: She was an American politician and lawyer. She was the first African-American woman to be elected to the Michigan State Senate.
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Cora Reynolds Anderson: She was an American physician and surgeon. She was the first woman to be appointed as a surgeon in the United States Army.
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Cora Taylor Casselman: She was an American astronomer. She was known for her work on the study of variable stars.
These are just a few examples of the many famous people named Cora. The name has been used by individuals from different fields and backgrounds, and it continues to be a popular choice for parents when naming their daughters.
Variations of Cora
Cora is a name with a rich history and several variations that have emerged over time. Here are some of the most common variations of the name Cora:
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Kora: This is a variation of the name Cora that has gained popularity in recent years. It is pronounced the same way as Cora and has the same meaning.
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Korra: This is another variation of the name Cora that has become more popular in recent years. It is pronounced slightly differently than Cora, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
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Corabel: This is a unique variation of the name Cora that combines the name with the suffix “-bel,” which means beautiful. It can be a great option for parents looking for a more distinctive name.
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Coralee: This variation of the name Cora combines it with the name Lee, which means meadow or clearing. It creates a beautiful and unique name that is perfect for parents looking for something a little different.
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Coralie: This variation of the name Cora combines it with the French name Coralie, which means coral. It creates a beautiful and unique name that is perfect for parents who want a name with a touch of French elegance.
Overall, the name Cora has several variations that can add a unique touch to the name while still retaining its classic appeal.
Cora in Different Languages
The name Cora has origins in Greek mythology, but it has also been used in other languages with various meanings. Here are some examples:
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English: In English, Cora means “maiden” or “daughter.” It has been a popular name for baby girls in recent years.
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Greek: In Greek, the name Cora is a variant of the name Kore, which means “maiden” or “daughter.” Kore was also an alternate name for the goddess Persephone.
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Latin: In Latin, the name Cora is believed to be a Latinized form of the Greek name Kore. It has been used as a feminine given name since the 19th century.
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German: In German, the name Cora is a short form of the name Cordula, which means “little heart” or “little treasure.”
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Italian: In Italian, the name Cora is a short form of the name Corinna, which means “maiden” or “maiden of spring.”
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Spanish: In Spanish, the name Cora is a short form of the name Coral, which means “coral” or “precious stone.”
Overall, the name Cora has been used in various languages with different meanings, but it often carries connotations of youthfulness, femininity, and beauty.