← All names

Cora

Girl name · 857 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Cora: 857 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 70 births in 2023.

Cora is most elegantly traced to the Greek word *korē*, meaning "maiden," a name rooted in the myth of Persephone, daughter of Demeter, who was often called Kore before her abduction to the underworld. This classic and gentle name has been borne by the beloved Brazilian poet and confectioner Cora Coralina, as well as Cora Evans, a 20th‑century American mystic and author. Several small communities in the United States share the name Cora, notably the unincorporated town of Cora in Wyoming, while the same Greek root appears in place names such as the city of Corinth. The name enjoyed a quiet revival in the late 20th century and has been a steady, understated choice in Scotland—preferred for its timeless charm and soft, musical sound without ever dominating the top charts.