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

Popularity of Nura by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Nura is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 39 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nura.

The history of the first name Nura

The name Nura is believed to have its origins in the Arabic language, where it is derived from the word "nur," meaning "light" or "illumination." This name has been particularly prevalent in the Middle Eastern and North African regions, where Arabic culture and linguistics have had a significant influence.

In Islamic tradition, the concept of "nur" holds deep spiritual and religious significance, often associated with divine guidance, enlightenment, and the radiance of truth. Consequently, the name Nura may have been bestowed upon individuals as a symbolic representation of these virtues or as a prayer for the child to be a source of light and wisdom.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nura can be traced back to the 7th century CE, during the early years of the Islamic era. Historical records mention a woman named Nura bint Malik, who was a prominent figure in the city of Medina and known for her piety and charitable works.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Nura. One such figure was Nura Sami (1894-1975), a renowned Egyptian feminist and activist who played a pivotal role in advancing women's rights and advocating for educational reforms in her country.

Another historically significant individual with the name Nura was Nura Khalil al-Sa'dawi (1892-1957), an influential Iraqi poet and writer who was celebrated for her contributions to modern Arabic literature and her advocacy for social and cultural reforms.

In the realm of Islamic scholarship, Nura al-Huda (1908-1993) was a prominent Syrian scholar and author who wrote extensively on Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and women's issues. Her works were highly influential and widely read throughout the Arab world.

Nura Inayat Khan (1914-1944), a descendant of a Indian Muslim spiritual leader, was a British Special Operations Executive agent during World War II. She served as a wireless operator in occupied France and was captured, tortured, and executed by the Nazis, becoming a revered figure in the history of the French Resistance.

It is worth noting that while the name Nura has historically been more prevalent in regions with Arabic and Islamic cultural influences, it has also been adopted and used in various other cultures and linguistic contexts, reflecting the global reach and adaptability of names across different societies.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!