Declining since 1985, #2,895 for girls today.
Popularity of Lora since 1880
Babies named Lora per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 914 |
| 1890s | 1,553 |
| 1900s | 1,636 |
| 1910s | 2,978 |
| 1920s | 3,364 |
| 1930s | 2,863 |
| 1940s | 3,126 |
| 1950s | 6,305 |
| 1960s | 14,170 |
| 1970s | 7,769 |
| 1980s | 4,130 |
| 1990s | 1,685 |
| 2000s | 853 |
| 2010s | 566 |
| 2020s | 323 |
Meaning & origin
Lora is a classic feminine name that reached its peak popularity in 1968, ranking as high as 249th in that year. Since 1985, its usage has been declining, and by 2025 it had fallen to rank 2,895, with approximately 1 in 27,712 baby girls receiving the name. The name's trajectory suggests it is a vintage choice that may appeal to parents seeking a traditional yet less common alternative to Laura. Despite its decline, Lora has a steady familiarity and a soft, melodic sound.
Lora is most commonly considered a variant of Laura, which derives from the Latin 'laurus' meaning 'laurel'. Laurel wreaths were symbols of victory in ancient Rome. The name Laura has been used in English since the Middle Ages, and Lora emerged as an alternate spelling, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. It may also have independent origins as a short form of names like Eleonora or Dolores.
Where Lora is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lora” around the world
Where Lora lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lori, Lolly
Sibling names for Lora
Names that share Lora's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Lora
Names whose popularity has moved with Lora's over the last 50 years.
