Cora Variations

Cora is a lovely, old-fashioned girls' that has been recently rejuvenated by its contemporary-feeling simplicity. In fact, Cora seemed headed straight for the top of the popularity list when the coronavirus pandemic somewhat weakened its appeal.

Corabella is a feminine compound name combining Cora (meaning 'maiden' or 'heart' from Greek 'kore') with the popular element 'bella' (meaning 'beautiful' in Italian and Latin). This melodious creation blends classical elements into a name that feels both vintage and freshly invented. Though rare in official records, Corabella represents the modern trend of combining shorter traditional names with romantic suffixes. The name evokes imagery of beauty and innocence, with its flowing four-syllable structure creating a musical quality when spoken. While not historically established as a traditional name, Corabella appeals to parents seeking something distinctive with recognizable elements and a vintage, romantic aesthetic reminiscent of the Victorian era's elaborate naming traditions.

Coralee is a charming feminine name that combines the name Cora with the popular suffix 'lee.' Cora has Latin origins meaning 'maiden' or Greek roots meaning 'heart,' while the suffix adds a southern, melodic quality. This combination creates a sweet, slightly vintage feel reminiscent of American southern charm. Coralee evokes images of warmth and femininity, with connections to both the heart (cor in Latin) and coral from the sea. While never extremely common, the name saw modest usage in the early 20th century and has experienced a small revival along with other vintage names. It appeals to parents who appreciate names with a touch of nostalgia and sweetness, offering the appealing nickname options of Cora or Lee.

Coralia was the name of a dancing mermaid in a 19th century ballet. As Cora -- which has another root and means maiden -- rises, so may elaborations and related names such as Coralie, Coraline, and Coralia.

Coralie is a French name not often heard here, though she's gaining some recognition via Neil Gaiman's similar sounding spooky and lovely children's book, Coraline. Other literary appearances: Coralie is the stage name of an actress in Balzac's Lost Illusions, and a French girl in an 1850 Thackeray novel.

Coralie is currently very popular in French-speaking Quebec, and there is a contemporary French singer named Coralie Clement.

Coraline may not be original to Neil Gaiman's wonderful book of the same name, but it might as well be. Gaiman's young heroine Coraline Jones is constantly called Caroline but as a name Coraline is more distinctive and has a more mysterious feel. The 2002 novel Coraline was made into a 2009 animated film voiced by Dakota Fanning and nominated for an Academy Award.

Coralynne is a feminine name that combines 'Coral' with the popular suffix '-lynne.' Coral refers to the vibrant marine organism and its distinctive pinkish-red color, bringing associations with the ocean, natural beauty, and the underwater world. The name blends nature-inspired elements with a romantic, elaborated ending that adds sophistication. This construction follows the pattern of names like Carolynn or Marilynn, while incorporating the natural element as its base. Coralynne emerged in the mid-to-late 20th century when compound names with decorative suffixes gained popularity. The name carries pleasant associations with tropical seas, warm waters, and vibrant reef ecosystems. While the simpler 'Coral' has been used as a name since the Victorian era's fondness for nature names, Coralynne offers a more ornate alternative with its extended, feminine ending.

Cordelia is exactly the kind of old-fashioned, grown-up name for girls that many parents are seeking for their daughters today. The name of King Lear's one sympathetic daughter, Cordelia has both style and substance along with its Shakespearean pedigree.