“a shining light” — Associated with Eleanor of Aquitaine
United Kingdom origin · Girl name
♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls
#1374US 2023
164Births / yr
↓Falling
20.8kAll-time births
📅 Since 188000.06% of births at peak
How to pronounce Elinor
EL·in·AWR
/ˈɛl.ɪn.ˈɔr/ · stress on EL · 3 syllables
“a shining light”
Associated with Eleanor of Aquitaine · United Kingdom origin
What does Elinor mean and where does it come from?
The name Elinor is derived from the Hebrew name 'EliNur', meaning 'God is my light'. It was popularized in the English-speaking world after the 12th-century introduction of the Old French form Aelinor, associated with Eleanor of Aquitaine. The name has also been associated with Eleanor Roosevelt and
Cultural significance
Elinor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a shining light.
Peak popularity
Reached #252 in 1916 — currently #1374 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Declining — down 31 spots — currently #1374 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1880–2023#1374 · Top 1.0%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#1374
164
▼ down 31 · -6% births
2022
#1343
175
▼ down 31 · +2% births
2021
#1312
172
▲ up 184 · +22% births
2020
#1496
141
▼ down 88 · -15% births
2015
#1408
165
▲ up 503 · +57% births
2010
#1911
105
▲ up 697 · +62% births
2005
#2608
65
▲ up 291 · +33% births
2000
#2899
49
▼ down 505 · -9% births
1995
#2394
54
▲ up 1989 · +145% births
1990
#4383
22
▲ up 76 · +29% births
1985
#4459
17
▼ down 734 · -19% births
1980
#3725
21
▼ down 88 · +17% births
1975
#3637
18
▼ down 932 · -31% births
1970
#2705
26
▼ down 902 · -35% births
1965
#1803
40
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Elinor
1920Rank #257
656
#1593
↘Falling
1900 - 202328 years
The story of Elinor
Elinor has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 20,835 babies have received this name. Once ranked #596 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1374 in 2023.
Elinor means "a shining light" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Elinor?
Elinor is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Elinor?
Elinor originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Elinor?
Elinor is a three-syllable name pronounced EH1 L IH0 N AO1 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 Elinor?
Elinor pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar United Kingdom heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Sibling names that pair with Elinor
For a sister
Elinor & Lillian♡
Elinor & Rupert♡
Elinor & Mervin♡
Elinor & Prebble♡
For a brother
Elinor & Lillian♡
Elinor & Rupert♡
Elinor & Mervin♡
Elinor & Wakefield♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#1374
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
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