Dog name guide

Ora

The meaning, background and naming story of Ora.

Letters
3
Syllables
2Dictionary reading
Starts with
O

Meaning and background

The story behind Ora

Ora cannot safely be given one origin without specifying the language tradition. It appears as an English feminine name in nineteenth-century records, but reference works also describe a separate Hebrew name derived from a word for light. A possible Latin link for the English usage remains uncertain. The simple spelling makes the two histories easy to confuse, so it is preferable to show them together rather than assert one translation for everyone.

Meaning
In Hebrew feminine name usage, related to Or meaning light; not necessarily the origin of English Ora. Source
Origin
Separate English historical use and Hebrew feminine derivation are attested; English derivation uncertain. Source

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About Ora

Recorded as a dog’s name

Ora appears in 2 dog licence records in the 2026 New York City dataset.

How to read this count

These records cover New York City and may count the same dog in more than one licence period. They are not a national popularity ranking.

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Pronunciation and rhythm

/ɔɹə/

US English sound sequence, converted from the CMU dictionary. Stress marks are shown separately.

Stress on the first syllable in the recorded US readings.

View dictionary notation

/ɔɹə/ · primary stress on syllable 1
AO1 R AH0

These are US dictionary readings. Personal, regional and other language pronunciations may differ.

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Sources and research notes (2)
  • New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene NYC Dog Licensing Dataset — all seven available extract years, retrieved 24 October 2026 — Recorded name spellings in NYC licence-period rows, extract years 2016–2018, 2022–2024 and 2026. Evidence selects one stated year per name. Annual snapshots overlap; never sum them as unique dogs. No national popularity, etymology or owner naming-intent claim.
  • Carnegie Mellon University / CMU Sphinx maintainers CMU US English Pronouncing Dictionary — US English dictionary readings; not owner-specific or exhaustive multilingual pronunciation

References support the individual facts shown. A source link does not mean the entire profile has been verified.

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Suggestions by sound, written form or existing editorial selections. Similarity does not imply a shared origin.

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