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

Popularity of Nori by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Nori is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 92% of people named Nori being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 295 female babies and 24 male babies born with the name Nori.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 24 baby boys were named Nori in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Nori

The name Nori has its origins in Japanese culture, tracing back to the 8th century CE. It is derived from the Japanese word "nori," which means seaweed, a staple ingredient in traditional Japanese cuisine. This association with a natural and essential food item suggests a connection with simplicity, nourishment, and sustenance.

In ancient Japanese texts, the name Nori is mentioned as a personal name for both men and women. It was particularly popular among the noble classes during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), when Japanese culture and art flourished. The name's simplicity and natural connotations were seen as virtues in the aesthetics of the time.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Nori was Nori no Kami, a celebrated poet and calligrapher who lived during the late 9th century CE. His works, preserved in imperial anthologies, are regarded as significant contributions to the development of Japanese literature.

In the 12th century, a notable figure named Nori no Sukune served as a military commander and advisor to the powerful Minamoto clan. His strategic brilliance and loyalty earned him a place in historical records as a respected figure in the turbulent era of the Genpei War.

During the Edo period (1603-1868 CE), a renowned woodblock print artist named Nori no Hiroshige gained international acclaim for his ukiyo-e landscape prints, particularly his famous series depicting the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road.

In more recent times, Nori Matsui (1936-2005) was a influential Japanese novelist and essayist, renowned for her explorations of women's lives and societal issues. Her works, such as "Eldest Son" and "The Untouched Family," received critical acclaim and numerous literary awards.

Another notable figure was Nori Otaki (1950-2022), a pioneering Japanese actress and singer who gained fame for her performances in kabuki theater and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in Japan.

While the name Nori has retained its popularity in Japan, it has also gained recognition globally as a reflection of the increasing appreciation for Japanese culture and cuisine. Its enduring presence throughout history reflects its deep roots in tradition while also embracing modernity and universal appeal.

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

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

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