Origin
The name Thora originates from Old Norse, specifically from the word 'Þóra', which is derived from the element 'Þórr', meaning 'thunder'. It was historically used in Scandinavian countries and spread to other regions through Viking influence and Norse settlements. In Australia, the name entered use mainly through European immigrants with Scandinavian heritage, and it appears sporadically in historical records.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'Thunder'. In the Australian context, Thora embodies strength and power, often associated with natural phenomena and resilience in cultural narratives.
Pronunciation
/ˈθɔːrə/ (Australian English, stress on first syllable) , pronouncing the 'Th' as in 'think' and with a long 'o' sound similar to 'awe'.','variants':['Þóra (Old Norse), Thorah (alternative spelling)'],
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Þóra (Old Norse)
- Thor (male variant)
- Thora (modern English spelling)
Nicknames
- Tho
- Tori
- Tory
Name Days
- 28 February (Saint Thora's Day in some Scandinavian calendars)
- 10 March (International Women's Day with historical associations to pioneering women named Thora)
- 20 September (Māori Women's Day, honouring women named Thora if adopted in local narratives)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with thora:
- Eleanor and Thora
- Maggie and Thora
- Lara and Thora (for hyphenated surnames or double-barrelled first names)
Fun Facts
- The name Thora was borne by notable Australian actress Thora Birch, who gained fame in the late 20th century.
- In Australian literature, characters named Thora often symbolise strength and resilience, reflecting the name's Norse origins.
- Thora as a name saw a peak in the early 20th century among Scandinavian-Australians.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name thora:
- Strong
- Resilient
- Natural-born leader
- Compassionate
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and vintage, with a classic Scandinavian aesthetic that is visually appealing in typographic design, often evoking Nordic simplicity and strength.
Geographical Distribution
More common in regions with Scandinavian heritage within Australia, such as parts of Victoria and South Australia, though generally widespread across urban areas.
Numerological Significance
Name number 9, associated with humanitarianism, compassion, and universal love. A strong indicator of a caring personality with a global outlook as per numerology.
Astrological Connections
May associate with Sagittarius or Scorpio, suggesting traits of adventure, depth, and resilience, fitting for names bearing strong elemental meanings.
Historical Context
The name Thora was used by historic figures such as Thora Hird, a renowned Australian actress of Scandinavian descent, and appears in early 20th-century Australian immigrant records. Fictionally, Thora has been used in Australian literature and film as a name representing resilience and natural strength.
Linguistic Adaptability
Adapts well across European languages, maintaining similar spelling and pronunciation. In non-Latin scripts, may be transliterated as Тора in Cyrillic or تورا in Arabic.
Famous People Named thora
- Thora Birch (Actress)
- Thora Hird (Actress) of Australia)
- Thora Peterson (Pioneering Australian nurse)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2024 | 1 |