Cora

Origin

Derived from the Greek name 'Kore', meaning 'maiden' or 'daughter'. The name gained popularity through classical mythology, where Kore was another name for Persephone, the goddess of spring and the underworld. In Australia, the name 'Cora' also gained recognition through early settler texts and literary references.

Meaning

Literal translation from Greek is 'maiden' or 'young girl'. In Australian English contexts, it connotes innocence, simplicity, and natural beauty, often associated with pastoral and rural imagery.

Pronunciation

/ˈkʊərə/ (Australian English pronunciation: /ˈkɔːrə/), with the emphasis on the first syllable, rhyming with 'flora'. The final 'a' is pronounced as a schwa or a open back unrounded vowel.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 10 September (Feast of Saint Cora, though not widely celebrated)
• Spring Festival in some regions marks the blossom of 'Cora' flowers, metaphorically linked to femininity and renewal.
• Māori tikanga often celebrate the changing of seasons with reverence to nature's cycles, but there isn’t a specific 'name day' for Cora.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with cora:

• Alice and Cora</br>
• Evelyn and Cora</br>
• Sophie and Cora

Fun Facts

• The name Cora experienced a resurgence in the late 20th century in Australia, partly inspired by literary characters.
• Cora is also the name of a popular variety of lily native to Australia, associated with native flora.
• The film 'Cora' (1915) was one of the early Australian silent movies.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name cora:

• gentle
• innocent
• artistic
• thoughtful

Aesthetic Qualities

The name Cora possesses a vintage and elegant aesthetic, with simple yet timeless visual qualities; often styled with floral or botanical motifs in Australian design.

Geographical Distribution

More common in Victorian and New South Wales registries, particularly in rural and regional communities where traditional and biblical names hold cultural significance.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking, often linked to creative and artistic pursuits in Australian culture.

Astrological Connections

Typically associated with Cancer or Pisces zodiac signs, reflecting nurturing, intuitive, and compassionate traits aligned with traditional Australian cultural values.

Historical Context

Famous Australian literary figure Marcus Clarke used the character 'Cora' in his celebrated novel 'His Natural Life' (1874), which helped popularise the name in colonial Australia. Notable bearers include actresses Cora Seymour and Cora Burroughs who appeared in early Australian theatre and cinema.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across languages, maintaining its form in Latin, Greek, and English contexts, with minor spelling adjustments like Kora or Kore in non-English speaking regions.

Famous People Named cora

• Cora L. V. (fictional character in Australian literature)
• Cora Bissett (Scottish-Australian actress and director)
• Cora Rutherford (historical Australian philanthropist)

Popularity in Australia