Vlora is a unique and captivating name of Albanian origin. It is derived from the city of the same name in southern Albania, which was once known as Aulona during ancient times. The city's name, Vlora, has been attributed to several theories.
One theory suggests that Vlora originates from the Latin word "villa", meaning "estate" or "farm". This is because the city was founded on an agricultural area that belonged to a Roman villa. Another theory proposes that Vlora comes from the Illyrian tribe of the Labeates, who inhabited the region before the Romans arrived.
Regardless of its origin, the name Vlora has become deeply ingrained in Albanian culture and history. The city of Vlora played a significant role during the Albanian independence movement in the late 19th century. On November 28, 1912, the flag of the newly independent Albania was raised for the first time in Vlora, marking the beginning of modern Albanian statehood.
Today, Vlora continues to serve as an important cultural and historical symbol for Albanians around the world. As a name, it remains rare but distinctive, carrying with it the rich heritage of its namesake city. Parents who choose Vlora for their child are likely drawn to its unique sound, Albanian roots, and the historical significance that comes with it. Despite not being widely popular outside Albania, Vlora is sure to make an impression wherever it's heard.
The name Vlora has been a relatively uncommon choice for parents in the United States over the past few decades, with only 44 babies given this name since 1984. The years with the highest number of births were 1991 and 1993, with 8 and 6 births respectively. Interestingly, there have been five instances where the name was given to newborns in multiple years: 1984, 1986, 1989, 1990, and 1995. It's possible that these were cases of family traditions or trends among certain communities, as repetition like this is uncommon for such a unique name. Despite its rarity, Vlora remains an intriguing choice due to its distinctive sound and limited usage.