Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Norah
GirlIrish, Latin· “honor (from Honora)”
- Meaning
- honor (from Honora)
- Origin
- Irish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- NOR-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #262
- US babies 2025
- 1,191
- Best rank
- #137 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Norah
Norah is an Irish and Latin name that is usually said to mean “honor (from Honora)”.
Norah is a form of Nora, which began as an Irish short form of Honora, from the Latin honor. It may also come from Eleanor or Leonora. The name has long been used in Ireland and became popular in the English-speaking world. Nora Helmer, the heroine of Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll's House, gave the name a literary association. Norah is short, soft and classic, and it has recently enjoyed a strong revival. It pairs easily with longer middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Nora.
Popularity over time
Norah 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 42 different years. Its best national rank was #137 in 2017, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,156 babies. In 2025, 1,191 babies were named Norah, and it ranked #262 nationally. That is 41% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,792 in 1920, #2,105 in 1950, #2,845 in 1980, #2,627 in 2000, #298 in 2010, and #262 in 2025. Of the 33,869 US girls named Norah since records began, 52% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 9,203 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Teagan, Amaya, Anastasia, Adaline, and Fiona.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Norah ranked highest in Rhode Island, North Dakota, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | #140 | 7 |
| North Dakota | #153 | 7 |
| Massachusetts | #161 | 35 |
| Kentucky | #162 | 28 |
| New Hampshire | #164 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Norah is usually pronounced NOR-uh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with N and ends in “-ah”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Nora.
Middle names for Norah
A few middle names that flow with Norah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Norah
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Lists that include Norah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Norah mean?
Norah is an Irish and Latin name that is usually said to mean “honor (from Honora)”.
What is the origin of the name Norah?
Norah has Irish and Latin roots. Norah is a form of Nora, which began as an Irish short form of Honora, from the Latin honor.
Is Norah a popular name?
Yes. Norah ranked #262 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Norah a boy or girl name?
Norah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Norah?
Norah is usually pronounced NOR-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