A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Valora since 1912
Babies named Valora per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1963, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Valora's real moment was 1920.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 36 |
| 1920s | 66 |
| 1930s | 33 |
| 1940s | 31 |
| 1950s | 74 |
| 1960s | 58 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 22 |
| 2010s | 58 |
| 2020s | 57 |
Meaning & origin
Valora is a rare and distinctive name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1912, with its peak year of usage in 1920. Though it subsequently fell out of fashion, Valora has been on a steady upward trajectory since 2003, reflecting a modern taste for vintage-sounding names with soft, melodic endings. Its current rank is 7,885, with approximately 1 in 123,636 newborns receiving the name in 2025. The name's etymology is uncertain but may connect to Latin roots meaning 'strength' or 'health', giving it a subtle, empowering undertone. Valora's revival suggests it appeals to parents seeking a name that is both uncommon and elegant, with an old-fashioned charm. Despite its low frequency, Valora has not been associated with any top states or notable figures, leaving it open for a child to define.
Valora is likely a modern coinage or variant inspired by names like Valeria and Valencia, ultimately from the Latin root 'valere', meaning 'to be strong' or 'to be healthy'. It emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, first recorded in 1912, and saw modest use in the 1920s before declining. The name has experienced a gradual revival since 2003, possibly due to its similarity to popular '-ora' ending names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Val, Lora, Vally
Variants: Valorra
Sibling names for Valora
Names that share Valora's style, for a brother or sister.
