Find out how popular the first name Cora has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cora by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Cora is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Cora being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,738 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cora.

The history of the first name Cora

The name Cora originated from the Greek word "Kore," which means "maiden" or "young girl." It was initially a title given to the Greek goddess Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. The name became popular during the Hellenistic period, spanning from the 4th to the 1st century BC.

In ancient Greek mythology, Persephone, also known as Kore, was abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld. This event was a central part of the myth surrounding the changing seasons and the annual cycle of growth and decay in nature. The name Cora symbolized youth, innocence, and the cycle of rebirth.

During the Renaissance period, the name Cora gained popularity in Europe, particularly in Italy, where it was often associated with the arts and literature. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Cora can be found in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, written in the early 14th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Cora. One of the earliest examples is Cora Pearl (1835-1886), a renowned French courtesan and mistress to several wealthy and influential men in 19th-century Paris. Another famous Cora was Cora Wilburn (1888-1958), an American novelist and poet who wrote about the lives of African Americans in the early 20th century.

In the realm of classical music, Cora Smyth (1854-1923) was a British composer and pianist who wrote works for orchestra and chamber ensembles. Additionally, Cora Anderson (1892-1981) was an American opera singer known for her performances in the United States and Europe during the early 20th century.

Cora Coralina (1889-1985), born Anita Philipa Lemos, was a renowned Brazilian poet and author who celebrated the culture and traditions of her home state, Goiás. Her works portrayed the daily lives and struggles of ordinary people, earning her widespread recognition and acclaim in Brazil.

While the name Cora has ancient roots and a rich history, it has maintained its charm and appeal throughout the ages, continuing to be a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a connection to mythology and a sense of timeless beauty.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cora was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cora, please contact us.

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