Tora is from the Old Norse Þóra — feminine of Thor (Þórr), the Norse god of thunder. A modern American baby name in the broader Scandinavian-heritage aesthetic. Tora in Norse tradition — one of the most-popular feminine names across modern Norway and Sweden; the name reflects the foundational Norse cultural emphasis on Thor as a foundational divine figure; appears throughout the iconic Heimskringla (Snorri Sturluson's chronicle of Norwegian kings) and Old Norse sagas; multiple medieval Norwegian queens named Tora are documented in Norse-Icelandic literature including Tora Mosterstang (mother of King Magnus Olafsson, 11th century) and Tora Torbergsdatter (queen consort of King Harald Hardrada). Tora Berger (born 1981) — Norwegian Olympic biathlete; Olympic gold medalist (Vancouver 2010 individual + Sochi 2014 mixed relay); Biathlon World Cup overall champion (2012-13); one of the most-celebrated Norwegian female athletes of the 2010s. Tora Vasilescu (born 1951) — Romanian actress. Tora Aasland — Norwegian politician; Minister of Research and Higher Education (2007-2012). Tora Sandström — Swedish-Finnish figure. Princess Tora — modern Scandinavian heritage naming. The Tora name reflects the broader 2020s American taste for short Scandinavian-heritage feminine names alongside Astrid, Sigrid, and Tora.
Featured throughout Norwegian heritage and Olympic biathlon.
Tora reduces to one.