The compound was originally synthesized by reduction of norcamphor.[1]
The name norbornane is derived from bornane, which is 1,7,7-trimethylnorbornane, being a derivative of camphor (bornanone). The prefix nor refers to the stripping of the methyl groups from the parent molecule bornane.
^Komppa, Gust.; Beckmann, Siegfried (1934). "Der Grundkörper der Camphergruppe, das Bicyclo-[1.2.2]-heptan, und die stereoisomeren Norborneole". Naturwissenschaften. 22: 171. doi:10.1007/BF01496254.