Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kora
GirlGreek· “maiden”
- Meaning
- maiden
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- KAWR-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #491
- US babies 2025
- 603
- Best rank
- #465 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Kora
Kora is a Greek name that means “maiden”.
Kora is a spelling of Cora that stays closer to the Greek Kore, "maiden." Kore was a title of Persephone, daughter of Demeter, who was carried off to the underworld and whose return each spring was said to bring the growing season. The K spelling has a slightly bolder, modern look. Kora is also the name of a West African harp-like instrument, which is unrelated. The name is short, sweet and strong, and it pairs well with longer middle names. Cora, Corinne and Coralie are related names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Cora.
Popularity over time
Kora first appears in US Social Security records in 1942. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 14 different years, starting in 2012. Its best national rank was #465 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 682 babies. In 2025, 603 babies were named Kora, and it ranked #491 nationally. That is 30% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #6,527 in 1980, #2,044 in 2000, #1,323 in 2010, and #491 in 2025. Of the 9,541 US girls named Kora since records began, 43% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,725 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Oaklee, Maren, Zariah, Maia, and Adley.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kora ranked highest in Alaska, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #156 | 5 |
| Nebraska | #216 | 11 |
| North Dakota | #221 | 5 |
| Maine | #239 | 5 |
| Indiana | #264 | 27 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kora is usually pronounced KAWR-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-ra”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Cora.
Middle names for Kora
A few middle names that flow with Kora: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kora
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Lists that include Kora
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kora mean?
Kora is a Greek name that means “maiden”.
What is the origin of the name Kora?
Kora has Greek roots. Kora is a spelling of Cora that stays closer to the Greek Kore, "maiden." Kore was a title of Persephone, daughter of Demeter, who was carried off to the underworld and whose return each spring was said to bring the growing season.
Is Kora a popular name?
Yes. Kora ranked #491 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kora a boy or girl name?
Kora is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kora?
Kora is usually pronounced KAWR-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings