What does Runa mean?
Runa comes from the Old Norse for “secret lore” or “rune.”
What does Thora mean?
Thora is a feminine form linked to the god Thor and to “thunder.”
Runa vs Thora
Which is more popular?
Runa is more popular than Thora today: about 62 US babies were given the name Runa in 2025, compared with 20 named Thora.
| Runa | Thora | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Secret lore, rune | Thor's; thunder |
| Origin | Norse | Norse |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | ROO-nah | THOR-ah |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 2000 | 1883 |
| Peak year | 2020 (70) | 1916 (72) |
| In 2025 | 62 | 20 |
| Trend | Near its peak | Rising |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Runa
Thora
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Runa | Thora |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 372 | 215 |
| 2010s | 208 | 228 |
| 2000s | 44 | 83 |
| 1990s | 0 | 12 |
| 1980s | 0 | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 | 35 |
| 1960s | 0 | 42 |
| 1950s | 0 | 101 |
| 1940s | 0 | 138 |
| 1930s | 0 | 204 |
| 1920s | 0 | 434 |
| 1910s | 0 | 519 |
| 1900s | 0 | 201 |
| 1890s | 0 | 160 |
| 1880s | 0 | 47 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Runa or Thora more popular?
Runa is more popular than Thora today: about 62 US babies were given the name Runa in 2025, compared with 20 named Thora.
What is the difference between Runa and Thora?
Runa means Secret lore, rune (Norse origin), while Thora means Thor's; thunder (Norse origin).
Which name is older, Runa or Thora?
In US records, Runa first appears in 2000 and Thora in 1883, so Thora has the longer recorded history.