Ora first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Ora has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Ora

An Italian feminine name derived from the Latin hora, meaning "time" or "hour".

Popularity of Ora by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ora is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 85% of people named Ora being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 45 female babies and 5 male babies born with the name Ora.

YearMale CountFemale Count
2024545
2023042
2022040
2021038
2020034
20191037
2018042
2017026
2016535
2015535
2014027
2013024
2012015
2011717
2010018
2009016
2008022
2007020
2006012
2005616
2004013
2003011
2002013
2001613
2000513
1999013
1998017
1997016
1996613
1995012
1994016
1993514
1992724
1991022
1990510
1989621
1988929
1987822
1986627
1985934
19841036
1983925
1982729
19811633
19801037
19791737
1978534
19771335
19761633
19751148

The history of the first name Ora

The name Ora finds its origins in several languages and cultures across the globe. In Latin, it means "prayer" or "utterance," derived from the verb "orare," meaning "to speak" or "to pray." This connection to prayer and speech suggests the name's historical significance in religious and literary contexts.

Greek roots also play a role in the name's etymology. The word "hora" in Greek means "hour" or "time," indicating a potential association with temporal concepts or specific moments in history. Additionally, the name Ora bears resemblance to the Greek word "oros," meaning "mountain" or "boundary," possibly linking it to geographical or territorial references.

In Italian, the name Ora carries the meaning of "now" or "at present," reflecting a sense of immediacy and presence. This interpretation aligns with the name's potential use as a representation of a particular moment or period in time.

Historical references to the name Ora can be found in various ancient texts and scriptures. In the Bible, the name appears in the Book of Joshua, referring to a town in the territory of Judah. This biblical mention highlights the name's antiquity and potential religious connotations.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Ora was Ora Nazhuri, an Albanian author and poet who lived in the 16th century. She is renowned for her contributions to Albanian literature and for being one of the first known female writers in the region.

Another notable figure was Ora Pronobis (1902-1976), a Swedish author and journalist who wrote extensively about social issues and feminism. Her works shed light on the experiences of women in the early 20th century and played a significant role in promoting gender equality.

In the realm of music, Ora Burian (1859-1923) was a celebrated Romanian operatic soprano known for her powerful voice and dramatic performances. She graced the stages of renowned opera houses across Europe and left an indelible mark on the world of classical music.

The name Ora also holds historical significance in the realm of art. Ora Cogan (1914-2009) was an American painter and sculptor whose abstract works were widely exhibited and celebrated throughout her career. Her vibrant and expressive pieces continue to influence contemporary artists to this day.

Finally, Ora Wills (1882-1957) was a British archaeologist and Egyptologist who made significant contributions to the study of ancient Egyptian civilization. Her meticulous excavations and research shed light on the rich history and culture of the Nile Valley, expanding our understanding of this remarkable era.

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

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

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