Message: "Dora" - Behind the Name

[Opinions] Dora

by Dianatiger

6/25/2021, 8:47 AM

Dora is a name very much associated with children's characters in my generation, Dora the Explorer and Dora Winifred aka "D.W." on PBS's Arthur *interestingly they also have the same unattractive haircut* this is my guess as to why it hasn't come back yet but is this enough to merit a delayed reentry into the mainstream? If Cora and Nora could return into the mix is Dora not far behind in making a return? Personally I kind of like Dora, not enough to use it of course but it's kind of energetic and has a lot of adorkable personality. Nora doesn't feel old but does feel bland to me and I have no idea why it's taken off like it has again tbh. *probably pop culture* at least Dora has some spice. Cora has more dignity but it still feels a little old ladyish and dry. What's your opinion? I think I would be happy to meet a young Dora.

Please rate my "Names I would use" list if you have a spare moment, feel free to rate other lists too if you want but ik there's a lot, thank you :) https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/223226/138473

#Dora

This message was edited 6/25/2021, 9:32 AM

Replies

- wheelbarrow4 +1

6/25/2021, 7:08 PM

I think it's pretty, but unfortunately I think of D.W. Reed and Dora the Explorer. They aren't bad associations, but still. I didn't notice about the haircuts honestly, lol, I agree that they're bad. I used to like the bang bob haircut. Lol, what is that cowlick on Dora the explorer? Little me wanted to cut it off every time I watched the show. I would use it most definitely if the associations weren't so well known. Dora the Explorer is still being watched.

- wheelbarrow4

6/25/2021, 7:10 PM

Also, I just wanted to say that I much prefer Cora and it's charm. Nora is also very beautiful! If I were ever to use Dora I would use Isadora.

This message was edited 6/25/2021, 7:11 PM

- Perrine (Destry)

6/25/2021, 1:47 PM

I loved the "Dora the Explorer" movie, recommended!

The name is okay. I always get a bit of a stupid-image from it and I can't say why, maybe there was a character in a book with the name that gave me that impression but I don't remember which book it was.

But in general I like it. I think it should make a comeback. It is much better than Cora but not as good as Nora.

- Theodora'sMommy (Nemesis0408)

6/25/2021, 1:04 PM

I love it, but only as a nickname. I could definitely see it coming back, but I don’t think it will ever be a top name, popularity-wise. Dorothea, Theodora, Isidora and Eudora are all lovely for a longer version.

- Belphoebe

6/25/2021, 11:52 AM

I really dislike the name Dora. I think it's very unattractive and outdated (sorry!)

- Wordsmith

6/25/2021, 10:22 AM

I adore Dora! I don't think its associations with those cartoons are a problem, though I agree that Dora the Explorer is probably responsible for the name's failure to rise in popularity like Cora and Nora.

- LapinLavender +1

6/25/2021, 10:08 AM

My younger sister watched Dora the Explorer religiously, so I can't get that association out of my head. My grandmother has a friend named Dora. I honestly hate this name by itself. I do like Isadora though. Plus, D.W.'s full name in Arthur is kinda intriguing.

- Dianatiger

6/25/2021, 10:10 AM

Yes I like it as a NN for Isadora as well what with Issy/Izzy being so common right now.

- Anneza +2

6/25/2021, 9:59 AM

I prefer Laura, and then Nora. Dora ... I don't find it attractive at all. Btw, my mother knew a Deborah who always went by Dora!

- Dianatiger +1

6/25/2021, 10:08 AM

Oh that's kinda cute, Deborah nn Dora is better than Deborah nn Deb imo. Deb is just frumpy.

- Anneza

6/25/2021, 1:14 PM

Dora, full name Deborah, was a Jew, so would presumably have been familiar with a pronunciation something like d'VORa. That seems to lead more convincingly to Dora than the usual DEBora, for which Deb is pretty inevitable as a nn.

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