The Baby Name Wizard

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Nora!

Comments and insights on the name Nora: | Edit

When I was a child, it upset me that I could never find my name on souvenir bicycle license plates.- A now-adult Nora

Personal experiences with the name Nora: | Edit

My daughter is named Nora and it is often mistaken for the more common Laura upon introduction. She does not like her name but I like it. It's solid and traditional.

My name is Nora, and I had a teacher way back in the 50s that called me Laura for the whole year, no matter how many times I corrected her. It was ridiculous.

My daughter is named Nora. I have never had a problem with it being mistaken for Laura. (She is currently only 17 months, though.) Most people tend to find it old-fashioned, and my SIL commented, "that's different", but I've never gotten any negative comments, although I'm not sure if people would say them to my face or not. No one has ever said they liked it either!

My name is Nora and as above, I'm always confused with Laura! I've only met two other people named Nora and I knew them both when I was four years old. I never saw those two again!

My cousin Nora was also always being called Laura. She finally stuck with it cause she hates the name Nora anyway and I have to agree. It's very old fashioned and out of date.

Nicknames for Nora: | Edit

Nor, Norsie, Nors, Naya, Norsa,

Meanings and history of the name Nora: | Edit

"Nora" can be traced to the Arabic word "noor" meaning "light", or to the English given name "Honora" meaning "honor."

Famous real-life people named Nora: | Edit

Nora Roberts, author
Nora Ephron, novelist and screenwriter
Norah Jones, singer-songwriter
Nora Barnacle, wife and muse of James Joyce
Nora Zehetner, actress.

Nora in song, story & screen: | Edit

Nora Lewin is the District attorney on the long-running television show, "Law and Order" from 2000-2002. She is portrayed by Dianne West.

"Noisy Nora" is a famous children's book

In the classic "Thin Man" films about detective couple Nick and Nora Charles, Nora was played by Myrna Loy.

"Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" (film)

Tea Leoni played a character named Nora Wilde in the TV show "The Naked Truth"

Samantha Mathis played a character named Nora Diniro in the 80s film "Pump Up the Volume"

More children's books: "Nora's Stars" (along with sequels, "Nora's surprise" and "Nora's Castle").

Nora is the baby of Christina and Adam in Parenthood

Children's music:
"Nora's Room"
"Everyone Asked About You" repeats the lines "Nora, Nora, open the door. Open the door Nora Blue, Nora Blue."

Nora is the protagonist in Henrik Ibsen's most famous play, translated either as "The Dollhouse" or "The Doll's House."

Hillary B Smith plays Nora Buchanan on the TV Soap Opera "One Life to Live"

Nora Baker, played by Piper Perabo, eldest daughter in "Cheaper by the Dozen"

Nora, played by Helen Reddy, in Disney's "Pete's Dragon" (1977); she and her father operated the lighthouse