Anora is of uncertain origin and is usually explained as a form of Honora, from the Latin honor, "honor", or as an elaboration of Nora. In Uzbek it is a separate name meaning "pomegranate". The film Anora, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in March 2025, put the name in front of American parents: it jumped from number 2367 in 2024 to number 1485 in 2025, its best rank ever.