Kori

Kori traces its sense back to the ancient Greek word Kore, which literally means "maiden" or "young woman". In Greek myth Kore is also a name for the goddess Persephone in her youthful aspect. That simple image of youth and freshness gives the name a clear core idea.

As a given name today Kori feels bright, approachable and modern. It sits between the familiar Cora and the more contemporary spellings like Kory, carrying an informal, friendly tone rather than formal elegance. The name suggests youthfulness and warmth while remaining versatile enough for many styles of family naming.

The name Kori is a modern English spelling that draws on the much older Greek root Kore. In ancient Greece Kore meant "maiden" and was used as an epithet for Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, emphasising youth and the life cycle of the seasons. Over time the form evolved into given names such as Cora in English and Corinne in French, both of which reflect the same Greek root.

In the 20th and 21st centuries parents have adapted the sound and form into spellings such as Kori, Kory and Cory. These variants became popular in English-speaking countries partly because they echo familiar names like Corey while offering a softer, more feminine presentation. While some uses of the spelling have separate cultural inspirations, the most straightforward lineage links Kori back to the Greek Kore and the ideas of youth and renewal it carries.