Nora

Nora is a female given name widely used in many countries. It is commonly a diminutive form of Honora or Eleanor, though in many contexts it is treated as an independent given name. Etymologically, it is often linked to the Latin Honora, meaning "honor," and has also circulated as a standalone name in various languages.

In usage, Nora is found across English-speaking regions and Europe, and it is used in many other locales as well. Spelling variants include Norah and Norine, and related names include Honora and Eleanor; the form Norah is particularly common in Ireland and the United States. The name has seen various surges in popularity, influenced by literature, film, and public figures.

Notable people named Nora include Nora Roberts, American author of romance and suspense novels; Nora Ephron, American journalist, screenwriter, and filmmaker; Nora Fatehi, Canadian dancer and actress; and Nora Arnezeder, French–Egyptian actress. Fictional bearers include Nora Helmer, the heroine of Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll’s House, a central figure in debates on gender roles and autonomy.

Other associations with Nora appear in music and film titles and in place-based names in some regions, though it is primarily recognized as a personal name. The name’s simplicity and cross-cultural availability have contributed to its ongoing popularity.