Find out how popular the first name Nour has been for the last 43 years (from 1981 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nour by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Nour is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 83% of people named Nour being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 106 female babies and 19 male babies born with the name Nour.

The history of the first name Nour

The name Nour has its origins in Arabic, and it is derived from the word "nur," which means "light" or "illumination." This name has been in use for centuries and holds significant cultural and religious importance in the Arabic-speaking world.

Nour is a gender-neutral name, although it is more commonly used for girls in many regions. It is believed to have first appeared in the 7th century CE, during the time of the Islamic Golden Age, when Arabic literature and culture flourished.

In Islamic tradition, Nour is considered a beautiful and meaningful name, often associated with the concept of divine light and guidance. It is mentioned in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, where it is used as a metaphor for the light of faith and knowledge.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nour can be found in the works of renowned Arab poet and scholar Al-Mutanabbi (915-965 CE), who wrote about a woman named Nour in his poetry.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nour. One of the most famous was Nour al-Din Mahmoud Zengi (1118-1174 CE), a powerful Syrian ruler and military leader who played a significant role in the Crusades.

Another prominent figure was Nour Jahan (1577-1645 CE), the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who was known for her beauty, intelligence, and influence in the Mughal court.

In the 19th century, Nour Efendi (1805-1873 CE) was a renowned Ottoman statesman and diplomat who served as the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire.

More recently, Nour El-Sherbini (1977-2009 CE) was an Egyptian athlete and multiple-time world champion in squash, who tragically lost her life in a hate crime.

Nour El-Kadri (born 1988 CE) is a contemporary Lebanese singer and songwriter known for her powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics.

Throughout its history, the name Nour has maintained its significance and popularity, particularly in the Arab world, where it continues to be a cherished name for its connection to light, beauty, and spiritual guidance.

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

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

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