Eleanor

English variation of French Provencal Alienor, meaning unknown

Eleanor Origin and Meaning

The name Eleanor is girl's name of English origin.

While some think Eleanor is a variation of Helen via Ellen, it actually derives from the Provencal name Aliénor, of highly-debated meaning. It may come from the Germanic name Adenorde, meaning "ancient north" or "noble north". Another theory is that it derives from the Latin phrase alia Aenor, meaning "other Aenor," used to distinguish some original Eleanor, who was named after her mother Aenor. Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine brought it from France to England in the twelfth century. Other spellings include Elinor and Eleanore.

Eleanor's straightforward feminine image combined with its royal medieval history is striking just the right note for parents in search of a girls' name that combines substance and style.

Big plus: Eleanor is a serious name, with two nicknames—Ellie and Nell/Nellie—that are seriously endearing. Nell is more distinctive, but Ellie is undeniably one of today's top cute girl names.

Diane Lane has an Eleanor, and Katie Couric has an Elinor, using the variant spelling. (Jane Austen used both versions—Eleanor in Northanger Abbey and Elinor in Sense and Sensibility.)

A notable namesake is First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Two other English queens bore the name: the wives of Henry III and Edward I. Currently, Eleanor Shellstrop is the protagonist of television show The Good Place.

Eleanora and Leonora are pretty, more feminine variations. Ellen and Lenore are shorter forms.

Eleanor Popularity

• 22 US 2020
• 7 Nameberry 2022
• 20 Future 2028
• 53 England 2020
• 54 Australia 2020
• 69 New Zealand 2021
• 404 Germany 2016