Norah

Norah is often a spelling of Nora, a name that can develop from Honora or Eleanor. Honora provides an honor connection, while the older meaning of Eleanor is less certain. Norah can also represent Arabic Nura, linked with nur, meaning “light.” These routes should be kept separate.

Singer Norah Jones is a familiar bearer of the final-h spelling. Nora offers a shorter written alternative, and Nura makes the Arabic connection more apparent. A family honoring an Eleanor may give Norah a different explanation from a family choosing the Arabic name. Knowing that intended connection is more useful than assigning every Norah both meanings.