Find out how popular the first name Medora has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Medora by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Medora is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Medora.

The history of the first name Medora

The name Medora is believed to have originated from the Ancient Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "medon," which means "ruler" or "protector." The name dates back to the classical Greek era, which spanned from the 8th century BC to the 6th century AD.

In Greek mythology, there are references to Medora being the name of a minor goddess associated with protection and guardianship. The name was also used in various Greek texts and literary works, although its usage was relatively uncommon in ancient times.

The earliest recorded use of the name Medora can be traced back to the 5th century BC. One of the first notable individuals to bear this name was Medora of Argos, a Greek philosopher who lived around 460 BC. She was known for her teachings on ethics and virtue.

In the Middle Ages, the name Medora gained some popularity in certain parts of Europe, particularly in the regions influenced by the Byzantine Empire. One notable figure from this period was Medora of Constantinople, a Byzantine noblewoman who lived in the 11th century AD. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her philanthropic efforts.

During the Renaissance period, the name Medora was adopted by a few individuals, although it remained relatively rare. One of the most notable figures with this name was Medora Lecce, an Italian painter who lived in the 16th century. Her works were highly regarded and can still be found in several museums across Italy.

In the 19th century, the name Medora experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in the United States. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Medora Leigh, an American actress and singer who lived from 1815 to 1891. She was renowned for her performances on the stage and her vocal talents.

Another notable figure from the 19th century was Medora Valette, a French writer and feminist who lived from 1826 to 1897. She was an advocate for women's rights and wrote several influential works on the subject.

In more recent times, the name Medora has been used by several individuals, including Medora Hawkins, an American artist and sculptor who lived from 1898 to 1988. Her works were widely exhibited and can be found in numerous art galleries and museums.

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 Medora was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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