Kora

♀ Girl

Pronounced KOR-ah /ˈkɔːr.ə/High

Meaning: Variant spelling of Cora, from Greek 'kore' meaning maiden or girl; also an epithet for Persephone, daughter of Demeter, in Greek mythology; associated with youth, springtime, and the underworldHigh

In 30 seconds: Kora is a K-spelling variant of Cora, the elegant Greek name meaning 'maiden.' Associated with Persephone, goddess of spring and the underworld, it carries both mythological depth and a clean, classic simplicity.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningVariant spelling of Cora, from Greek 'kore' meaning maiden or girl; also an epithet for Persephone, daughter of Demeter, in Greek mythology; associated with youth, springtime, and the underworld

U.S. rank (2025)#491 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births603 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 9,535

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kora is a K-initial variant of Cora, from the Greek kore meaning 'maiden' or 'girl.' In Greek mythology, Kore was an alternative name or epithet for Persephone, daughter of Demeter, before her abduction. The name was popularized in English-speaking countries through James Fenimore Cooper's novel The Last of the Mohicans (1826).

Cora was a top-10 girls' name in the United States in the late 19th century and has staged a notable revival in the 21st century as a vintage classic. The Kora spelling gives it a slightly more contemporary K-initial look. Both rank in the U.S. top 500 girls' names today.

Did you know? In Greek myth, Kore (maiden) was the original name of Persephone before she was taken to the underworld by Hades — her two names reflecting her dual nature as both the spring maiden and the queen of the dead.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Cora — etymology for the Cora/Kora nameU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CoraKoreCorinna

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Kore/Persephone
Greek goddess of spring and the underworld, daughter of Demeter; Kore means 'maiden'

If you like Kora…

Cora— the standard spelling of the same name with identical sound

Nora— shares the short, crisp vintage Greek-influenced girls' name feel

Vera— shares the simple, two-syllable vintage revival quality

Myra— a fellow Greek choice

Sandra— another vintage pick

Explore names like Kora

By themegreek short vintage mythology elegant

By meaningYouth

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Frequently Asked

What does Kora mean?

Kora means 'maiden' or 'girl,' from Greek 'kore.' It is a K-spelling variant of Cora and shares the name of Persephone in her role as the spring maiden in Greek mythology.

How do you pronounce Kora?

Kora is pronounced KOR-ah /ˈkɔːr.ə/ — two syllables with stress on the first, identical to Cora.

Is Kora the same as Cora?

They are alternate spellings with the same pronunciation and meaning. Kora with a K is a modern variant of the traditional Cora.

Is Kora a popular name?

Kora and Cora are both growing in the U.S. and Cora now ranks among the top 500 girls' names, valued for its vintage Greek elegance and classic simplicity.