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 has seen a significant increase in popularity in the United States over the past century, with a steady growth from the late 1800s to present day.
From 1880 to 1950, the number of births with the name Norah remained relatively low and fluctuated between single digits and low teens. However, starting from the 1950s, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Norah. In 1951, there were 36 births with the name Norah, marking the beginning of a gradual rise in its popularity.
The trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with the number of births with the name Norah reaching double digits consistently. This period also saw the highest number of births with the name Norah during this timeframe, peaking at 32 births in 1979.
In the 1980s, the popularity of the name Norah began to surge significantly. The decade started with 27 births in 1980 and ended with 42 births in 1989. This upward trend continued throughout the 1990s, reaching a new peak of 57 births in the year 2000.
The early 2000s marked a substantial increase in the popularity of the name Norah. Between 2002 and 2006, the number of births with the name Norah more than doubled, from 96 births in 2002 to 689 births in 2007. This remarkable growth demonstrates that Norah had become a popular choice among parents in the United States.
The popularity of the name Norah has remained high in recent years, with over 1400 births each year from 2011 to 2023. The highest number of births with the name Norah was recorded in 2017, with 2155 births. Despite a slight decline in popularity in recent years, Norah continues to be one of the most popular names for girls in the United States.
In conclusion, the name Norah has seen a consistent rise in popularity over the past century, particularly from the 1980s onwards. Its popularity has remained high and stable in recent years, making it a well-loved and enduring choice among parents in the United States.