Baby Name of the Day: Jorah

The baby name Jorah blends Old Testament roots with pop culture currency.

Thanks to Vanessa for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.

WHAT DOES THE NAME JORAH MEAN?

There’s a single reference to Jorah in the Old Testament. In the Book of Ezra, we learn that Jorah claims 112 descendants. We also know that his family returned from exile in Babylon.

The baby name Jorah comes from the Hebrew name Yora, derived from a word referring to rainfall or autumn rain, or possibly a verb meaning to teach or to throw. 

So the name’s Biblical roots are clear, but the story is pretty minimal. 

ANCIENT WORLD

Way back, before the first millennium BC, the Canaanites worshiped a moon god. His name was typically given as Yarikh. Other variations include Yarih and Jorah. 

Yarikh was known as the illuminator of the heavens. While many different cultures assign female goddesses to the moon, Yarikh was depicted as male. 

The Canaanite faith evolved starting sometime in the early Bronze Age – perhaps as early as 3000 BC – so it’s ancient, indeed. 

The ties to the night sky could put this name in the company of other mythological choices popular for both genders, like Luna and Orion.

GAME OF THRONES

But never mind the Old Testament or ancient lore.

We’re talking about the baby name Jorah thanks to HBO Max’s hit series Game of Thrones. 

Author George RR Martin introduced the character in his fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire back in 1996. The television series followed in 2011. 

When we first meet Ser Jorah Mormont, he’s a knight in exile. Scottish actor Iain Glenn portrayed Mormont. 

The Mormonts feature throughout the series. We meet his father, as well as his niece. Their sigil is the bear, and that’s even more of a plot point in the original novels.

He’s a flawed character – this is Game of Thrones – but in the television series, at least, he’s a skilled warrior, a loyal advisor, and a (mostly) steadfast friend. 

BOY NAMES ENDING WITH AH

The baby name Jorah fits with popularity trends now. 

Noah has recently held the #1 spot in the US and remains near the top of the charts. Names like Jonah and Judah are popular, too, mixing current style with deeply traditional roots. 

Other boy names ending with -ah include Elijah, Isaiah, Josiah, and Jeremiah – all popular in the United States now, part of a new generation of names for boys.

And while it rhymes with Nora and Cora, that doesn’t seem to present an issue.

JORY and JOR-EL

It’s worth noting that pop culture is big on the Jor sound.

Superman’s father is Jor-El, in the comics, movies, and other versions of the Man of Steel we’ve met over the years.

George RR Martin used Jor- twice. A minor character is named Jory Cassel. He’s a knight and part of House Stark’s guard. 

Jory also has roots as a Cornish name related to classic George. 

And it comes from a popular series of VC Andrews novels, starting with 1979 blockbuster Flowers in the Attic. Jory is the name of Cathy’s son. It’s a mash-up of two other character names, Cory and Julian. 

HOW POPULAR IS THE BABY NAME JORAH?

Way back in the year 2000, seven girls were named Jorah. That marks the first time the name appeared in US popularity data. Spelled Jora, it debuted in 1981.

And Jorel? That name debuted for boys in 1979.

But back to Jorah. The name debuted for boys in 2014, doubtless boosted by the fictional character in the smash hit series.

Jorah peaked for boys in 2019/2020, with 35 births in each of those two years.

As of 2024, 21 boys and 7 girls were named Jorah. 

RARE AND WEARABLE

Overall, the baby name Jorah offers some significant depth for a name strongly associated with pop culture. It blends roots in the ancient world with a very current sound.

Particularly if you’re looking for an unexpected choice for a son, Jorah could be the perfect name.

What do you think of the baby name Jorah?

First published on February 6, 2019, this post was revised on March 31, 2026.