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Eleanor

♀ Girl

Pronounced EL-uh-nor /ˈɛl.ə.nɔːr/High

Meaning: Bright, shining one; variant of Alienor, possibly meaning 'the other Aenor'Medium

In 30 seconds: A distinguished name of Old French/Occitan origin carried by queens and first ladies. Eleanor's exact meaning is debated, but its regal elegance is undeniable.
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Origin MediumOld French, Occitan
MeaningBright, shining one; variant of Alienor, possibly meaning 'the other Aenor'
Peak year1920
Total births (all-time)≈ 282,686

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192018802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Eleanor derives from the Old French/Occitan name Aliénor or Aenor, whose origin is debated. One popular theory holds it means 'the other Aenor' (from Latin alia and a personal name Aenor). Another traces it to the Greek element Helene (bright, shining). The precise etymology remains uncertain.

Eleanor was popularized across Europe by Eleanor of Aquitaine. English queens named Eleanor included Eleanor of Castile and Eleanor of Provence. In the U.S. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) gave it distinguished modern associations. The name dipped mid-20th century but has surged back into the top 20 since the 2010s.

Did you know? Eleanor of Aquitaine (c. 1122–1204) was one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages — she was queen of both France and England at different times, and mother of Richard the Lionheart and King John.

Variations

ElinorEleanoraEleonorLeonoraNora

Nicknames

EllieNellNoraEllaLenora

Famous Bearers

  • ★Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962)
    American diplomat, activist, and longest-serving U.S. First Lady.
  • ★Eleanor of Aquitaine (c. 1122–1204)
    Medieval queen of France and England, one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages.

If you like Eleanor…

Charlotte— shares the regal, three-syllable classic elegance
Olivia— equally distinguished vintage classic at the top of charts
Amelia— fellow vintage revival with the same dignified charm
Hazel— shares the Edwardian-era appeal
Evelyn— equally refined classic experiencing a 21st-century revival

Frequently Asked

What does the name Eleanor mean?

Eleanor's exact meaning is debated — it likely comes from an Old French/Occitan name possibly meaning 'bright one' or 'the other Aenor.' The etymology is not fully resolved.

How do you pronounce Eleanor?

Eleanor is said EL-uh-nor /ˈɛl.ə.nɔːr/ — three syllables, with stress on the first.

Is Eleanor a boy or girl name?

Eleanor is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Eleanor?

Eleanor re-entered the U.S. top 20 girls' names around 2017 and has continued climbing, driven by its vintage charm and royal associations.