Alternatives to Nora

Cracking the top 100 in 2013, Nora has been popular for a few years now. If you want something less popular, here are some suggestions:
  1. Anora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "honor"
    • Description:

      Anora is a phonetic respelling of Honora, a longer form of the virtue name Honor. It also might qualify as a trendy Fast Fashion name, a composition of euphonious syllables without any specific provenance.
  2. Eleanora
    • Origin:

      Latinate form of Eleanor, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Eleanor is back, Nora is back, and, as predicted, Eleanora is back too, as of 2023.
  3. Jora
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "autumn rain"
    • Description:

      Unique possibility for a girl born between September and November.
  4. Nara
    • Origin:

      Japanese place name or Celtic
    • Meaning:

      "happy"
    • Description:

      Soft, simple, and far more unusual than Tara or Farrah. As a Japanese place name, it's been used occasionally as a surname and is beginning to be used as a first. Nara is also the name of a Hindu (male) God and the name means "man" in Hindi.
  5. Nella
    • Description:

      Nella is a feminine name with Italian and Germanic origins. It can be a standalone name or a diminutive of names like Petronella, Antonella, or Cornelia. In Italian, it literally means 'at the' or 'in the,' while as a short form, it often inherits meanings from its longer versions. Nella has historical usage dating back centuries but has experienced periods of renewed popularity in recent decades. The name has a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking something classic yet not overused. With its brief two syllables and melodic sound, Nella strikes a balance between simplicity and distinctiveness. The name carries connotations of sweetness and strength, making it versatile for different personalities.

  6. Nola
    • Origin:

      Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "white shoulder"
    • Description:

      Nola, a name with a sleek, enigmatic quality, was used for the much-pursued heroine of Spike Lee's 1986 breakout film, She's Gotta Have It, and again by Woody Allen in Match Point. It's a short form of the traditional Irish name Fionnuala. Nola reentered the US Top 1000 in 2008, for the first time in 50 years.
  7. Noor
    • Origin:

      Arabic; Dutch variation of Eleonora
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      An interesting name associated with the elegant American-born Queen Noor of Jordan. Noor is very popular among modern Muslim parents around the world and is beginning to cross over, perhaps because of its simplicity and its resemblance to the stylish Western Nora. It appeared in the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2015.
  8. Norine
    • Description:

      Norine is a feminine name derived from the Latin 'Honorina,' meaning 'honor,' or as a diminutive form of Nora or Eleanor. With Irish and Greek influences, it can be interpreted as 'light' or 'honor.' Norine enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in the 1910s-1930s, but has since become quite rare. The name carries a vintage charm with its soft sound and elegant simplicity. While not commonly used today, Norine maintains appeal for parents seeking a classic-sounding name with historical roots but without being overly common.
  9. Nura
    • Description:

      Nura is a beautiful feminine name with multicultural roots. In Arabic, it means 'light' or 'illumination,' symbolizing brightness and guidance. The name also appears in Aboriginal Australian languages, where it can mean 'place' or 'country.' In Hebrew contexts, it's related to the word for 'fire.' Nura has gained popularity in diverse communities worldwide for its melodic sound and positive connotations. It's particularly cherished in Muslim families but crosses cultural boundaries with ease. The name's brevity and flowing pronunciation make it both distinctive and accessible. Nura conveys qualities of radiance, warmth, and spiritual illumination, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name that embodies enlightenment and beauty.

  10. Nyla
    • Origin:

      Arabic, Sanskrit, Irish, modern invention
    • Meaning:

      "winner, one who achieves; hero; cloud; wind, air; dark blue"
    • Description:

      Bright, spirited, and playful, Nyla shares sounds with the popular Isla, Lila, Layla, and Delilah, making it feel fresh and in style. A name with a number of possible origins, it made a brief, anomalous appearance on the US charts in 1941, before disappearing again for the next 60 years. It has been back in the US Top 1000 since 2001, and is currently on the rise, given to around 1230 girls each year.
  11. Nory
    • Orla
      • Origin:

        Irish
      • Meaning:

        "golden princess"
      • Description:

        Orla is an Irish name closely associated with the high king Brian Boru, as it was the name of his sister, daughter and niece. It was very popular in the Middle Ages – the fourth most popular name in twelfth century Ireland – and has become popular again in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales today. In Irish, the name is commonly spelled Orlaith or Orlagh.
    • Thora
      • Origin:

        Norse
      • Meaning:

        "thunder goddess"
      • Description:

        Thora, related to Thor, is the ancient Norse thunder goddess name that's much softer and gentler than its meaning suggests. A noted bearer is actress Thora Birch.
    • Zora
      • Origin:

        Serbo-Croatian
      • Meaning:

        "dawn"
      • Description:

        Zora is a meaningful literary heroine name honoring Zora Neale Hurston, an important black writer and leader of the Harlem Renaissance.