Zora is a unique and captivating name of Slavic origin, specifically from the region of Croatia and other parts of former Yugoslavia. It is derived from the South Slavic element "zora," which means "dawn" or "morning." This name has been used traditionally among the Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks for centuries.
The name Zora is deeply rooted in Slavic mythology and culture, often associated with the goddess of dawn, Eos, from Greek mythology. In many Slavic folktales and legends, Zora symbolizes renewal, fresh beginnings, and the beauty of a new day. It is also believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
Historically, the name Zora has been popular among the South Slavic people, with notable historical figures carrying this name. One such figure was Zora Drašković, a Croatian aristocrat and patron of arts in the 18th century. She was renowned for her intelligence, wit, and cultural contributions to the Croatian Enlightenment.
Today, Zora remains a popular choice among parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children. Its association with dawn and new beginnings continues to inspire many, making it a timeless and enchanting name that transcends cultural boundaries. Despite its Slavic roots, Zora has gained international recognition and is now used in various parts of the world as a symbol of fresh starts and radiant beauty.
The name Zora has seen a significant increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades, with a notable spike in recent years.
From 1880 to around the mid-20th century, the number of babies named Zora remained relatively low and fluctuated between single digits and low double digits. However, starting from the late 1950s, there was a steady increase in the number of newborn girls being given the name Zora.
The turning point came in the late 1990s and early 2000s when the popularity of the name Zora began to rise significantly. In 2003, there were 117 babies named Zora, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This trend continued, with peaks in 2018 (353 births) and 2019 (308 births), and remained high in the following years.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been 9642 newborn girls named Zora in the United States. This data suggests that while Zora was not a popular name for many decades, it has gained considerable traction in recent years and is now among the more common names given to baby girls in the U.S.
It's important to note that popularity can vary based on regional preferences and cultural influences. Therefore, these statistics reflect national trends but may not be representative of specific regions or communities within the United States.
Sources:
- Social Security Administration data on popular baby names in the United States