Meaning & History
Kora is a German variant of Cora, a name that traces its origins through a complex chain. Cora itself is a Latinized form of Kore, an Ancient Greek word meaning 'maiden' used in mythology as an epithet of the goddess Persephone (the 'Kore'). The name Cora was popularized in the English-speaking world after James Fenimore Cooper used it for a character in his 1826 novel The Last of the Mohicans. In some contexts, Cora may also serve as a short form of names like Cordula or Corinna.
Etymology and History
The Greek word kórē (κόρη) means 'maiden, young girl' and was commonly used in antiquity as an epithet for Persephone. Through Latin adoption, the name evolved into Cora in various European languages. In German, Kora emerged as a distinct spelling variant, applied as a given name for girls. The name likely gained some use in German-speaking regions through cultural exchange and literary influences.
Notable Bearers
While the brief does not provide specific notable bearers, the name Kora (under various spellings) has occasionally appeared among personalities in German-speaking countries, artists, or fictional characters. Historical dictionaries note it as a modern variant.
Related Names
Kora is directly related to Cora, and may share connections with other names beginning with Cor- or Kor- across languages. Variants include Corinna (Italian), Korinna (Ancient Greek), and diminutives like Lia and Nelly. The masculine form associated with this group is Cornelius via its Latin root. In other cultures, similar forms exist: Czech Kornélie, Bulgarian Korneliya, and Slovene Kornelija.
- Meaning: German spelling variant of Cora, ultimately from Greek kórē 'maiden'
- Origin: German
- Type: Given name (feminine)
- Usage regions: Germany, occasionally elsewhere
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Kora