Alora

Alora is a modern English given name, often considered a variant of Elora. While Elora is thought to be an invented name originating from the 1988 fantasy film Willow, Alora has independent earlier usage: the stage name Alora Gooding was used by an aspiring actress in the 1940s, suggesting the name may have arisen spontaneously. The Spanish word alora meaning "at that hour" and the Andalusian town of Álora are likely unrelated but contribute to the name’s phonetic appeal.

Usage and Popularity

Alora has seen a steady increase in use in the United States. It entered the top 1,000 names for newborn girls in 2018 and has since risen to the top 300 by 2022. In England and Wales, it has been among the top 1,000 names since 2021. The name's soft, melodic sound and similarity to popular names like Laura and Lora likely contribute to its modern appeal.

Fictional Characters

Alora appears as a character in several works of fiction, including the video game Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, the 1978 film The Big Fix, and the 1999 film Walking Across Egypt. These cultural references may have helped maintain awareness of the name.

Cultural Significance

As a variant of Elora, Alora shares an indirect connection to the character from Willow, a beloved fantasy film. The name’s rise in the 21st century fits broader naming trends favoring invented or newly combined names, particularly those with a lyrical quality.

• Meaning: Variant of Elora, an invented name
• Origin: English
• Type: Given name
• Usage Regions: United States, England, Wales