Declining since 2021, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Tora since 1898
Babies named Tora per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 17 |
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 45 |
| 1960s | 89 |
| 1970s | 321 |
| 1980s | 110 |
| 1990s | 108 |
| 2000s | 90 |
| 2010s | 115 |
| 2020s | 73 |
Meaning & origin
Tora is a name of ambiguous origin, most commonly linked to Scandinavian roots as a feminine form of Tor, meaning 'thunder', or to the Japanese word for 'tiger'. In the United States, its recorded usage began in 1898, though it has never been widespread. The name experienced its peak popularity in 1976, and its usage has been declining since 2021. While not associated with any top states, Tora retains a distinctive cross-cultural appeal, balancing Norse mythology with a nature-inspired Japanese meaning. Its rarity ensures a unique identity for those who choose it.
Tora has multiple possible origins. In Scandinavia, it is often considered a feminine form of Tor, derived from the Old Norse name Þórr, the name of the thunder god in Norse mythology. Alternatively, in Japanese, Tora (虎) means 'tiger'. The name has been used in both cultures, though the Scandinavian usage is more established in English-speaking countries. Its use in the United States dates back to at least the late 19th century, with a modest peak in the 1970s.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Tora
Names that share Tora's style, for a brother or sister.
