The Floradoras
- Ora
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"prayer"Description:
Short and slight, with great potential now that names like Ava, Ida and Orla are popular. Ora Beach is a tourist destination on Seram Island, Indonesia.
- Lora
Origin:
German variation and spelling variation of LauraDescription:
Somewhat flat-footed form; go for the original.
- Amora
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"love"Description:
Is Amora a real name? It made a strong entrance to the US Top 1000 in 2017 so it's one of the Spanish names for girls that is obviously catching on, perhaps thanks to its similarity to Amara, a multicultural name that's achieving widespread popularity here and abroad. Amora sounds like the Latinate amore and is one of the romantic names that mean love, familiar via the classic Dean Martin song That's Amore ("When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie...). Amora also borrows something from Amanda, something from Maura, and makes an attractive choice no matter what its pedigree.
- Andora
Description:
Andora is a feminine name with multiple possible origins and meanings. It may be a variant of Andorra, the small European country between France and Spain, giving it a geographical connection. Alternatively, it could be related to the Greek name Andromeda, meaning 'ruler of men,' sharing the strong 'andr-' prefix denoting masculinity or strength. Some consider it a feminine form of Andrew or a variation of the name Dora with the prefix 'An-' added. The name has never been widely popular but maintains a steady, under-the-radar presence in English-speaking countries. Andora possesses a romantic, melodic quality with its soft consonants and ending in the feminine 'a.' It appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with a feminine sound and classical feel without being completely unfamiliar.
- Velora
Description:
Velora is a melodious feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly deriving from Latin elements or being a variation of names like Valora (from 'valor') or Velora (from 'velare,' meaning 'to veil'). The name has an air of vintage elegance and mystique, with its flowing syllables creating a rhythmic quality. Velora remains quite rare, making it appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with a classical feel. Its sound evokes associations with beauty and grace while maintaining a certain strength. Despite its rarity, Velora feels familiar due to its similarity to more common names like Valerie, Velma, or Flora, giving it an intuitive pronunciation despite its uniqueness.
- Tora
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"thunder"Description:
Tora is the female version of Tor or Thor, the name of the Norse god of thunder. Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn chose it for her daughter.
- Theora
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"a thinker or watcher"Description:
Soft and gentle, but feels like a less meaningful contraction of Theodora.
- Kamora
Origin:
Variation of Kimora or Kamara, MalagasyMeaning:
"chameleon"Description:
Kamora may be a variation of Kamara, a Malagasy name from Madagascar with an unexpected animal meaning. Alternatively, it might be an invented name, inspired by the similar Kimora or Amora - in which case it could also mean "woods by the village" or "love".
- Cleora
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"glory"Description:
Cleora is a now-extinct name (there were no babies named Cleora recorded in the U.S. since 1982) that achieved some standing in the early 20th century thanks to the craze for all things Egypt-related. A range of Cleopatra diminutives, including Cleo, Cleora, Cleona, and Cleola, made the Top 1000 then as the ancient tombs were opened in Egypt.
- Eldora
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"covered with gold"Description:
An unusual old school name which is made more modern by that fashionable El- beginning.
- Sonora
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Sonora may be a more unusual and melodic choice than Sierra, but this Mexican state name may sound too much like Senora to work as a name.
- Valora
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"courageous"
- Kimora
Origin:
Modern name, meaning unknownDescription:
Afro-Asian model, designer, and entrepreneur Kimora Lee Simmons brought this name into the public eye and it enjoyed more than a decade in the Top 1000 during the 2000s and early 2010s. It peaked in 2008 when it reached the Top 300, but it has since been in decline, becoming an on-off visitor to the US charts.
The exact meaning of Kimora is unknown, though one possibility is that it's a nod the Japanese surname, Kimura, meaning "woods + village". Back in the US Top 1000 for 2023, Kimora could also feel like an updated form of Kim or Maura, and a spin on more popular Kora.
- Onora
Description:
Onora is a feminine name with Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic name 'Honora' or 'Nora,' meaning 'honor' or 'woman of honor.' This elegant name carries a sense of dignity and respect in its meaning. Though relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Onora offers an appealing alternative to more popular variants like Nora or Eleanor. Its distinctive quality combined with its classical roots makes it attractive to parents seeking a name that is both traditional and unique. The name has remained somewhat rare throughout the years, giving it a special quality for those who bear it. Onora's melodic sound and meaningful etymology contribute to its quiet appeal.
- Azora
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"sky blue"Description:
Azora is related to the English Azure, with both used as baby names these days. Azora, which sounds more like a name, was given to about 70 baby girls in the US last year, while Azure was given to 30 boys and 13 girls.
- Amadora
Description:
Amadora is a beautiful feminine name with Latin and Spanish origins. It derives from the word "amador," meaning "lover" or "one who loves," with the feminine ending added. The name essentially translates to "loving woman" or "gift of love." Amadora carries romantic connotations and evokes warmth and affection. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has some usage in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and romantic roots. Amadora might appeal to parents looking for a distinctive name with a positive meaning and European flair.
- Fedora
Origin:
Greek variation of TheodoraDescription:
Fedora is occasionally heard among the British Mayfair and Belgravia set, but we're afraid that in this country there would be too strong an association with the man's felt hat.
- Secora
Description:
Secora is a feminine name of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Secorra or a creative modern invention. It has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables. Some theories suggest it may be related to the Spanish word "socorro" meaning "help" or "relief," though this connection isn't definitively established. The name has a contemporary feel with classical undertones, making it appeal to parents seeking something unique yet accessible. While rare in mainstream naming statistics, Secora has seen occasional usage in the United States since the late 20th century. Its distinctive sound and spelling give it a memorable quality while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce and spell.
- Evora
Origin:
Portuguese place nameMeaning:
"yew tree"Description:
Evora is a city in Portugal known for its magnificent Roman aged ruins. It is occasionally seen as a female name, evoking some of the mystique of this region.
- Zipora
Description:
Zipora is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, an alternate spelling of Zipporah, who was the wife of Moses in the Bible. The name derives from the Hebrew word 'tzippor' meaning 'bird' or 'sparrow,' symbolizing freedom and grace. While the Zipporah spelling is more common in English-speaking regions, Zipora reflects transliterations used in some European and Israeli communities. The name carries rich biblical heritage while offering a distinctive sound with its strong consonants and rhythmic three-syllable pronunciation. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Zipora has maintained steady usage particularly within Jewish communities as a connection to religious heritage. The name's meaningful etymology and historical significance offer depth, while its melodic quality provides aesthetic appeal.
