Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Nori
GirlJapanese· “several Japanese meanings”
- Meaning
- several Japanese meanings (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- NOR-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,196
- US babies 2025
- 193
- Best rank
- #898 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Nori
Nori is often said to mean “several Japanese meanings”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Japanese roots.
Nori is a Japanese name that can be written with several different kanji, so its meaning depends on the characters chosen; common readings carry senses such as rule or law. It also appears as an element in longer Japanese names. In English the word is best known for the dried seaweed used in sushi, which some families find charming and others prefer to avoid. Nori can also work as a short form of Eleanor or Honora. It is small and sweet, with an international, modern feel that suits many surnames.
Popularity over time
Nori first appears in US Social Security records in 1950. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 2 different years, starting in 2022. Its best national rank was #898 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 298 babies. In 2025, 193 babies were named Nori, and it ranked #1,196 nationally. That is 44% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #5,127 in 1950, #8,782 in 1980, #9,689 in 2000, #8,189 in 2010, and #1,196 in 2025. Of the 3,028 US girls named Nori since records began, 49% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,040 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Guinevere, Sapphire, Zyla, Emryn, and Cattleya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nori ranked highest in Maryland, Arkansas, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #419 | 13 |
| Arkansas | #638 | 5 |
| Virginia | #694 | 11 |
| Georgia | #703 | 15 |
| North Carolina | #764 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 92% of US babies named Nori over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Nori is usually pronounced NOR-ee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-ri”.
Middle names for Nori
A few middle names that flow with Nori: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nori
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Lists that include Nori
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nori mean?
Nori is often said to mean “several Japanese meanings”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Japanese roots.
What is the origin of the name Nori?
Nori has Japanese roots. Nori is a Japanese name that can be written with several different kanji, so its meaning depends on the characters chosen; common readings carry senses such as rule or law.
Is Nori a popular name?
Not especially. Nori ranked #1,196 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Nori a boy or girl name?
Nori is mainly a girl's name. About 92% of US babies named Nori over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Nori?
Nori is usually pronounced NOR-ee. 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