Cora is a feminine given name of Latin origin. Its meaning is derived from the Latin word "corona," which means "crown" or "wreath." The name Cora is often associated with royalty and elegance due to its connection to the crown.
The name Cora has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. In Roman mythology, Corona was the goddess of abundance and prosperity. She was said to have been transformed into a crown of flowers by Flora, the goddess of spring. This mythological figure is believed to be one of the earliest influences behind the name Cora.
In literature, the name Cora has been used in several notable works. One of the most famous appearances of the name is in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter." In this story, Cora is a character who plays a significant role in the narrative. Additionally, the name Cora was also used by Louisa May Alcott in her novel "Little Women," although the character is not as prominent.
Throughout history, the name Cora has been used by various notable figures. For instance, Cora L. V. Scott was an American journalist and activist who fought for women's suffrage and civil rights in the early 20th century. She was also a co-founder of the National Association of Colored Women. Another notable figure with the name Cora is Cora Pearl, a French courtesan and artist's model during the Second Empire.
In popular culture, the name Cora has been used in various forms of media. For example, it is the name of a character in the television series "Lost," played by actress Fionnula Flanagan. Additionally, the name Cora appears in several songs, including "Cora Is Dead" by The Magnetic Fields and "Cora Zone" by They Might Be Giants.
Overall, the name Cora has a rich history and significance, with its origins tracing back to ancient Roman mythology. Throughout time, the name has been associated with royalty, elegance, and notable figures who have made significant contributions in various fields.
Based on the annual birth statistics for the name Cora in the United States, we can observe several trends and patterns over time.
From 1880 to around 1940, the number of births with the name Cora fluctuated, with a peak of 1940 births in 1919. During this period, the popularity of the name seemed to rise and fall with no clear long-term trend.
After 1940, there was a significant decline in the number of babies named Cora. This drop can likely be attributed to shifting naming trends and preferences among parents. Between 1945 and 1967, fewer than 500 girls were named Cora each year, with some years seeing as few as 235 births.
However, starting around the late 1960s, we begin to see a resurgence in the popularity of the name Cora. Although the number of births remained relatively low until the late 1980s, there was a consistent increase over time. In 1989, for example, 247 girls were named Cora, compared to just 235 in 1967.
This trend continued into the 1990s and 2000s, with Cora's popularity growing steadily each year. By 2010, over 1,200 girls were named Cora annually, and this number has since climbed to over 3,000 births per year, reaching a peak of 3,601 in 2019.
In recent years, the name Cora has maintained its popularity among parents, with over 3,000 births each year from 2017 to 2022. According to the latest data, there were 3,069 girls named Cora in the United States in 2022.
In total, between 1880 and 2022, there have been approximately 150,986 births with the name Cora in the United States. This data demonstrates how naming trends can change over time and how some names, like Cora, can experience periods of decline followed by renewed popularity.