K
Feminine
Greek
Meaning & History
Kore (Κόρη) is a Greek name meaning "maiden" or "daughter." In Greek mythology, it refers to the goddess Persephone, the daughter of Demeter and Zeus, who was abducted by Hades to become queen of the Underworld. The name is derived from the Ancient Greek κορη (kornē, "girl, maiden, daughter").
Mythological Significance
Kore was the title used for Persephone before her abduction, emphasizing her role as a virginal spring goddess. After her marriage to Hades, she was commonly called Persephone. The dual name reflects her significance as both a maiden of the upper world and a queen of the underworld, representing the cycle of life and death. Eleusinian Mysteries, a major religious festival, celebrated Demeter and Persephone (Kore). This myth explained seasonal changes – Persephone's return from Hades represents spring.Usage and Variants
Kore primarily functions as a mythological name. Its common Romanized form is Cora, which gained popularity during the 19th century. Other variants include Korë, Corinna (Italian), Korinna (Ancient Greek), Corine (French), Corinne (French), and Coreen (English). These related names often carry the understood meaning of "maiden" by association. Some related names may have originated independently from other roots, such as Cora sometimes linked to Greek Kore. The English use of Kore is primarily a learned borrowing from Ancient Greek.Etymology and Linguistic Notes
The Greek word κόρη (korē) was a generic term for a young girl or maiden and is found in many classical sources. It shares a root with κουρος (kouros, "boy").- Meaning: maiden
- Origin: Ancient Greek
- Type: Name
- Usage: Greek mythology, eventually revived as a given name
- Related names: Cora, Korinna, Corinne