Declining since 2018, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Mora since 1881
Babies named Mora per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2019, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Mora's real moment was 1887.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 33 |
| 1890s | 47 |
| 1900s | 27 |
| 1910s | 96 |
| 1920s | 68 |
| 1930s | 33 |
| 1940s | 21 |
| 1950s | 60 |
| 1960s | 65 |
| 1970s | 37 |
| 1980s | 28 |
| 1990s | 59 |
| 2000s | 99 |
| 2010s | 171 |
| 2020s | 101 |
Meaning & origin
Mora is a name with multiple possible origins, adding to its mystique. In the United States, its usage peaked in 1887 at rank 7,491, but it has been declining since 2018. As of 2025, the name is given to roughly 1 in every 114,805 newborns, making it a rare choice. The name's first recorded appearance in U.S. data dates back to 1881, tying it to the late 19th century. While not currently favored in any top states, Mora's cross-cultural potential as a Hebrew, Irish, or Spanish name gives it a quiet appeal for parents seeking something distinctive.
Mora has several possible origins. In Hebrew, it may derive from a word meaning 'myrrh' or be a feminine form of Mor, which itself is related to the aromatic resin. Alternatively, it could be a variant of the Irish name Moira, an anglicized form of Máire (the Irish form of Mary). In Spanish, Mora means 'blackberry' or is a surname. The name has been used in various cultures but remains relatively uncommon.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Mora
Names that share Mora's style, for a brother or sister.
