A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ora since 1880
Babies named Ora per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ora's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 2,391 | 620 |
| 1890s | 3,876 | 436 |
| 1900s | 4,262 | 380 |
| 1910s | 7,259 | 1,048 |
| 1920s | 7,876 | 1,194 |
| 1930s | 5,116 | 693 |
| 1940s | 3,653 | 471 |
| 1950s | 2,291 | 303 |
| 1960s | 998 | 185 |
| 1970s | 436 | 124 |
| 1980s | 293 | 90 |
| 1990s | 157 | 23 |
| 2000s | 149 | 17 |
| 2010s | 277 | 27 |
| 2020s | 244 | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Ora is a name of uncertain origin but distinct charm. First recorded in the United States in 1880, it reached its peak rank of #1881 in 1881, reflecting the late 19th-century fashion for short, vowel-ending names. After a long decline, Ora has been rising in popularity since 2003, part of a broader revival of vintage names from the 1880s. The name ranks #3712 as of 2025, with a rarity of about 1 in 40,182 births. Despite its modest usage, Ora appeals to parents seeking a simple, melodic name with a touch of history.
The name Ora has multiple possible origins, making its etymology uncertain. It may be a Latin word name from 'ora' (meaning 'pray' or 'coast'), an Italian/Spanish word meaning 'now', or a variant of the Hebrew 'Orah' (meaning 'light'). In the late 19th century, Ora gained modest popularity in the United States, possibly as a short form of longer names or a standalone choice. Its usage declined through the 20th century but has seen a small revival in recent years.
Where Ora 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.
“Ora” around the world
Where Ora lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Orah
Sibling names for Ora
Names that share Ora's style, for a brother or sister.
