Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Leora
GirlHebrew· “light for me”
- Meaning
- light for me
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- lee-OR-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,356
- US babies 2025
- 163
- Best rank
- #301 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Leora
Leora is a Hebrew name that means “light for me”.
Light for me, or my light, is the meaning of the Hebrew Leora, from or, light. It is related to names like Liora and Orah, which also carry the theme of light. Leora is used in Jewish families and in the wider English-speaking world, where it has a graceful, vintage feel. The name has a soft, melodic sound and a warm, positive meaning. Liora, a common Israeli spelling of a closely related name, is pronounced in much the same way, lee-OR-uh.
Popularity over time
Leora has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 69 different years. Its best national rank was #301 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 255 were named Leora. In 2025, 163 babies were named Leora, and it ranked #1,356 nationally. That is 90% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #463 in 1920, #964 in 1950, #2,265 in 1980, #2,656 in 2000, #2,468 in 2010, and #1,356 in 2025. Of the 12,119 US girls named Leora since records began, 18% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 1,846 babies. Since 2010, 1,639 more have been named Leora.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Mozelle, Enid, Alene, Lorine, and Syble.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leora ranked highest in New Jersey, Minnesota, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #485 | 16 |
| Minnesota | #699 | 7 |
| New York | #718 | 23 |
| Maryland | #796 | 6 |
| Wisconsin | #862 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Leora is usually pronounced lee-OR-uh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Leora
A few middle names that flow with Leora: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leora
Similar names
Ora Girl
OR-uh
“light (Hebrew) or pray (Latin)” · Hebrew
#3,760
Ira Unisex
EYE-ruh
“watchful” · Hebrew
#822
Dara Girl
DAR-uh
“several origins; oak (Irish)” · Irish
#1,129
Debora Girl
DEHB-ur-uh
“variant of Deborah, bee” · Hebrew
#2,336
Meira Girl
MEER-uh
“light” · Hebrew
#2,046
Sara Girl
SEH-ruh
“princess” · Hebrew
#198
Zara Girl
ZAHR-uh
“radiant, or form of Sarah” · Arabic
#212
Mara Girl
MAHR-uh
“bitter” · Hebrew
#589
Sandra Girl
SAN-druh
“defender of men” · Italian
#1,210
Petra Girl
PET-ruh
“rock” · Greek
#1,372
Dora Girl
DAWR-uh
“gift” · Greek
#2,388
Liora Girl
lee-OR-uh
“my light” · Hebrew
#900
Lists that include Leora
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leora mean?
Leora is a Hebrew name that means “light for me”.
What is the origin of the name Leora?
Leora has Hebrew roots. Light for me, or my light, is the meaning of the Hebrew Leora, from or, light.
Is Leora a popular name?
Not especially. Leora ranked #1,356 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Leora a boy or girl name?
Leora is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Leora?
Leora is usually pronounced lee-OR-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