Log in · Sign up

Eleanor Girl

Popularity: #14 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationEL-uh-nor / ˈɛlɪnɔːr

Old French; Greek

Meaning

Old French: 'the other Aenor'; Greek: 'light'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Eleanor has its roots in the Old Provençal name "Aliénor," which is believed to derive from the Latin "Alia Aenor," meaning "the other Aenor." The name Aenor itself is of uncertain origin, but it is thought to have Germanic roots. The name Aliénor entered the English language through the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry II of England in the 12th century, making it a prominent name among the nobility and royalty of medieval England.

Eleanor of Aquitaine, who lived from 1122 to 1204, is one of the most significant historical figures associated with this name. She was a powerful queen consort of both France and England, and her influence extended to the cultural and political realms of the time. Her patronage of the arts and involvement in the Crusades contributed to the name's prominence in medieval society. The name gained further recognition through its association with various queens and noblewomen in subsequent centuries, reinforcing its status in the aristocracy.

In literature and culture, the name Eleanor has been used in various works, symbolizing grace and strength. It appears in notable literary pieces, including the works of authors such as Jane Austen and the character Eleanor Dashwood in "Sense and Sensibility" published in the early 19th century. The name has also been linked to various saints and religious figures, adding to its historical significance. The enduring nature of the name can be attributed to its royal connections and its embodiment of noble qualities, which have resonated through generations.

Trend Summary

Eleanor has experienced a resurgence in popularity in the United States, ranking consistently in the top 100 names for girls in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Elinor
  • Eleanora
  • Nora

International Variants

  • Leonor (Spanish)
  • Eleonora (Italian)
  • Eleanor (English)
  • Elenor (Dutch)

Famous people named Eleanor

Eleanor Roosevelt is a diplomat and activist best known for her role as First Lady, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and her work with the United Nations.

Eleanor Tomlinson is an actress best known for Poldark, The Illusionist, and Colette.

Fictional characters named Eleanor

Eleanor Shellstrop is a fictional character from the TV series The Good Place. She is a self-centered woman who finds herself in the afterlife and must become a better person to earn her place in paradise.

Eleanor Oliphant is a fictional character from the novel Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. She is a socially awkward woman who learns to navigate her emotional struggles and connect with others as the story unfolds.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Eleanor was first seen in the United States in 1880. Eleanor has ranked as high as #47 nationally, which occurred in 1920, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and Massachusetts. In the past 5 years the name Eleanor has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Eleanor (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 614
9%
CA 504
7%
OH 345
5%
NY 292
4%
NC 292
4%
FL 284
4%
VA 246
4%
IL 239
3%
TN 231
3%
PA 230
3%
WA 229
3%
MO 228
3%
IN 226
3%
GA 224
3%
WI 193
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880129
1881110
1882174
1883185
1884198
1885222
1886271
1887247
1888288
1889312
1890351
1891376
1892389
1893397
1894450
1895544
1896493
1897559
1898620
1899575
1900753
1901686
1902837
1903840
1904868
19051,041
19061,088
19071,155
19081,302
19091,460
19101,798
19112,035
19123,120
19133,938
19145,374
19157,036
19167,406
19177,669
19188,176
19197,611
19208,497
19218,054
19227,852
19237,772
19248,193
19257,724
19267,305
19276,963
19286,535
19295,865
19305,823
19315,255
19324,836
19335,106
19344,718
19354,166
19364,341
19374,275
19384,049
19393,810
19403,584
19413,250
19423,165
19432,729
19442,190
19451,876
19461,933
19471,853
19481,664
19491,517
19501,371
19511,296
19521,249
19531,254
19541,117
19551,043
19561,044
1957962
1958864
1959865
1960826
1961748
1962763
1963667
1964648
1965603
1966473
1967443
1968408
1969360
1970366
1971325
1972300
1973266
1974228
1975234
1976257
1977228
1978269
1979276
1980258
1981270
1982265
1983263
1984244
1985270
1986263
1987290
1988309
1989357
1990378
1991394
1992395
1993445
1994390
1995437
1996487
1997537
1998720
1999688
2000771
2001826
2002961
20031,007
20041,063
20051,237
20061,221
20071,272
20081,343
20091,486
20101,851
20112,084
20122,383
20133,013
20143,740
20154,439
20165,139
20175,549
20185,727
20196,198
20206,378
20217,097
20226,925
20236,757
20247,127