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Home › Baby Names Directory › Ora

Ora

♂ Boy

Pronounced OR-uh /ˈɔːr.ə/High

Meaning: Ora is Hebrew for 'light' (feminine of or). It has also been read as Latin ora ('pray' or 'coast'). In American use it has been mainly a girl's name, and it is used here for a boy, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A short, luminous name: Ora is Hebrew for 'light' (said 'OR-uh'). Usually a girl's name, which we note.
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Origin LowHebrew, Latin
MeaningOra is Hebrew for 'light' (feminine of or). It has also been read as Latin ora ('pray' or 'coast'). In American use it has been mainly a girl's name, and it is used here for a boy, which we note.
U.S. rank (2024)#13661 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1919
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,616

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191918802024

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

Ora is Hebrew for 'light,' the feminine of or. In English-speaking countries it appeared as a given name in the nineteenth century for both sexes, though it settled mainly on girls, and some read it through Latin ora ('pray'). Used here for a boy, which we note; the routes are mixed (said 'OR-uh').

For boys it is very rare in the U.S. Rare, short, and vintage.

Did you know? Ora is Hebrew for 'light,' and it also echoes Latin ora — 'pray,' as in ora et labora. In the U.S. it has been used mostly for girls, though it appears for boys too; we note the lean (said 'OR-uh').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Ora — Hebrew ora 'light'; girl-lean in U.S. use

Variations

OrahOrr

Nicknames

Or

Famous Bearers

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If you like Ora…

Orion— a like O- name with a bright feel
Asher— a similar Hebrew choice
Oren— a like short Hebrew name
Ari— a similar two-beat Hebrew pick

Explore names like Ora

By themehebrewvintagecross-sexlight

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ora mean?

Ora is Hebrew for 'light'; it has also been read through Latin ora, 'pray.'

How do you pronounce Ora?

It's said OR-uh /ˈɔːr.ə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ora a boy or girl name?

Here Ora is used as a boy's name, but it is more often a girl's name — we note the lean.

How popular is Ora?

Ora is a very rare name for boys in the U.S., and more common for girls.

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