Eleanore

“light”

English origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1648US 2023

126Births / yr

↑Rising

18.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.07% of births at peak

How to pronounce Eleanore

EL·un·awr

/ˈɛl.ən.ɔr/ · stress on EL · 3 syllables

“light”

English origin · Girl name

What does Eleanore mean and where does it come from?

Eleanore is derived from the Provençal name Alienor, which was popularized in the medieval period. The name has several variations and has been borne by numerous medieval queens. It became popular due to historical figures like Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was Queen of France and England. Eleanore can

Cultural significance

Eleanore has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of light.

Peak popularity

Reached #225 in 1916 — currently #1648 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Eleanore?

Eleanore works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Eleanore Grace

How popular is Eleanore right now?

Rising fast — up 226 spots — currently #1648 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1648 · Top 1.2%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1648	126	▲ up 226 · +17% births
2022	#1874	108	▲ up 108 · +10% births
2021	#1982	98	▼ down 154 · -8% births
2020	#1828	106	▲ up 294 · +18% births
2015	#2122	90	▲ up 783 · +53% births
2010	#2905	59	▲ up 681 · +44% births
2005	#3586	41	▼ down 252 · +3% births
2000	#3334	40	▲ up 2108 · +135% births
1995	#5442	17	▲ up 1863 · +55% births
1990	#7305	11	▼ down 1956 · -15% births
1985	#5349	13	▼ down 1626 · -38% births
1980	#3723	21	▲ up 871 · +62% births
1975	#4594	13	▼ down 1483 · -38% births
1970	#3111	21	▲ up 1100 · +110% births
1965	#4211	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Eleanore

Best Year1920Rank #240

Peak Count737

Average Rank#2227

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Eleanore

Eleanore has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 18,090 babies have received this name. Once ranked #476 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1648 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Eleanore in 1916:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Eleanore by decade

Eleanore peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	107
1890s	278
1900s	613
1910s	4,807
1920s ★	6,319
1930s	2,628
1940s	963
1950s	434
1960s	198
1970s	138
1980s	140
1990s	215
2000s	386
2010s	758
2020s	106

What are good nicknames for Eleanore?

DANISH

EllaNora

DUTCH

EllenNoorNoortjeNora

ENGLISH

EleaEllaElleEllieEllyLeanoraLenoraLenoreNellNelleNellieNellyNonieNoraNorahNoreenNorene

FINNISH

EllaElliNoora

What names sound and feel like Eleanore?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Eleanore also consider these

Eleonore

French · light or torch

Elleanore

American · French

Elianore

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Ellanore

American · A variant of

England · light-hearted

How is Eleanore written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Eleanore

What does the name Eleanore mean?

Eleanore means "light" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Eleanore?

Eleanore is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Eleanore have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Eleanore?

Eleanore originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Eleanore?

Eleanore is a three-syllable name pronounced EH1 L AH0 N AO0 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Eleanore?

Eleanore pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.