Norah is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish name Noreen, which means "honor" or "light." The name has been used for centuries in Ireland and has gained popularity worldwide over time.
The earliest recorded use of the name Norah can be traced back to the 17th century in Ireland. It was often used as a pet form of the name Honora, which also means "honor" but is of Latin origin. In some cases, Norah may have been derived from the Irish name Noraid, meaning "honor" or "light."
The name Norah gained significant popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it ranked among the top 1,000 most popular girl names every year between 1948 and 1970. Today, Norah remains a popular choice for parents looking for a name with Irish roots and a timeless appeal.
Some notable individuals named Norah include:
* Norah Jones (born Geethali Norah Jones Shankar), an American singer-songwriter and pianist who won multiple Grammy Awards in the early 2000s.
* Norah Ephron, an American screenwriter, author, and director known for her films "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle."
* Norah O'Neill, a British artist whose work has been exhibited at various galleries and museums around the world.
In conclusion, Norah is a charming and historic name with Irish origins that means "honor" or "light." With its rich history and numerous notable namesakes, it's no wonder why many parents choose this beautiful name for their daughters.
The name Norah experienced a significant increase in popularity over time. From 1880 to around 1970, the number of annual births with the name Norah fluctuated between single digits and low double digits. However, starting from the late 1970s, there was a notable rise, reaching triple digits by the early 2000s. The peak occurred in 2014 with 2007 births. Since then, the popularity has somewhat stabilized, with around 1500-2000 births per year.