I’m considering the name [name_f]Zora[/name_f] (Slavic “dawn”) and would like to get some feedback on the name. I’ve been looking for a Slavic name for this child to honor my family. [name_f]Zora[/name_f] fits that bill, plus it’s easy to spell and pronounce in English. It also has a great mythological background (the Zoryas, basically the morning and the evening star, guarding the universe’s fate in the sky). And bonus, there was a strong book/movie character with that name when I was growing up, which was probably my first inspiration.
My one concern about this name is that someone alerted me to the expression “[name_f]Zorra[/name_f]” in Spanish, literally meaning “fox” but apparently used as an insult against women. I do not speak Spanish, but I live in [name_u]California[/name_u], so many people around me do.
I would like to get some input on this concern, especially from Spanish speakers. [name_m]How[/name_m] common is the expression? Is it used more for a grown woman and only if “slutty” behavior is observed? [name_f]Do[/name_f] kids use it in playgrounds and then they grow out of it? Or is it a ubiquitous insult that every Spanish speaker will think of if they were to meet a [name_f]Zora[/name_f]?
I would have some alternative versions for the name - my favorites being Zoria or [name_f]Zaria[/name_f]. But [name_f]Zora[/name_f] is my favorite by far, so if it’s usable at all given my above concern, I think I would really like to use it.
I can’t tell you how prevalent the insult zorra is in Spanish-speaking countries, but I would just like to chime in and say that I love the name [name_f]Zora[/name_f]! All names meaning dawn are incredibly meaningful for me, and [name_f]Zora[/name_f], [name_f]Zorya[/name_f] and [name_f]Zarya[/name_f] are such evocative, ethereal ones with a touch of myth and magic to them, while being completely wearable and lovely.
If you are worried about the zorra issue, I would recommend using [name_f]Zorya[/name_f] instead, or perhaps going straight to the diminutive Zorka or the elaborated form [name_f]Zorana[/name_f].
I think this depends on how prevalent and commonly known/used the term zorra is. If I were to hear “oh, she’s gonna be a zorra haha” every time I introduced her to a Spanish-speaking person, then yes it would bother me.
If, on the other hand, it only ever came up on vacation in Mexico and maybe 1-2 other times in her life, then no that wouldn’t be a dealbreaker to me.
[name_f]Zora[/name_f] was on our short list for awhile - I also associate it with [name_f]Zora[/name_f] [name_u]Neale[/name_u] Hurston. If you are not a Spanish-speaker, and you don’t have a large family of them, I wouldn’t worry too much about that cultural meaning. I totally understand the concern since you’re in [name_u]California[/name_u], but there are always names that mean something different in other languages than in English and I think it works itself out (I always think of [name_u]Bar[/name_u] Refaeli).
If you love [name_f]Zora[/name_f], the meaning, and the origin, then use it! If you’re still on the fence, I would echo pp’s suggestion of [name_f]Zara[/name_f].
One thing to consider is the pronunciation. As a spanish speaker, to my ear the two are not pronounced the same. The RR in [name_f]Zorra[/name_f] has a tougher sound than the single in [name_f]Zora[/name_f]. Aside from that, the Z is pronounced more like an S (or in castilian spanish “th”). [name_m]Just[/name_m] some food for thought! I think it’s a beautiful name.
I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] [name_f]Zora[/name_f]! My first association is [name_f]Zora[/name_f] [name_u]Neale[/name_u] Hurston, who is a great role model. The meaning is terrific and the sounds are in style, while the name itself is underused and unexpected. I say go for it!
Oh that’s good to know!! Especially about the S/Th sound in the beginning.
I’m feeling really encouraged by everyone’s comments! And feeling excited too because the search has been hard with lots of criteria, so I’m excited about this one. I’ll need to present to the husband, hopefully he will be on board!
I’m also keeping Zoria, [name_f]Zaria[/name_f] and maybe [name_f]Zorana[/name_f] on the list for possible alternatives.
I absolutely love the name! I may be a bit biased though, coming from Slavic background, but to me the name has always been absoluteluy stunning! It’s the name of a goddess, goddamnit (the Slavic equivalent of [name_f]Aurora[/name_f])! I wouldn’t let the association stop me from using a name honoring my cultural background.
If you’re still a bit unsure, how about Zoja/[name_f]Zoya[/name_f]? Slavic, easy to pronounce, meaning “life”. Yes, it’s a variant of [name_f]Zoe[/name_f], but it could be a good backup for [name_f]Zora[/name_f].
If you decide not to go with [name_f]Zora[/name_f], I think Zoria is beautiful. In the Basque language (from the Basque region of Spain) Zoria means fortune.