← All names

Kora

Girl name · 15 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kora: 15 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2025.

Kora is a name with multiple origins, most commonly considered a variant of Cora, which derives from the Ancient Greek *Kore*, meaning "maiden" or "daughter." In Greek mythology, Persephone was often called Kore before her abduction by Hades, giving the name a classical, enduring resonance. It also appears as a short form of the Slavic name Korina, and in some contexts, it may be a variant of the Arabic *Qurra*, meaning "coolness of the eyes." Famous bearers include the American actress Kora Barry, known for her work in early silent films, and Kora Naughton, a Scottish artist celebrated for her landscape paintings. The name shares its root with the Greek island of Corfu, whose ancient name *Korkyra* is linked to the same word for "maiden." Kora is a less common but elegant alternative to Cora, gaining quiet popularity in Scotland in recent decades.