Eleanor: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: e-hle-ha-hno-hr
Origin: Greece
gender-female

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Aug 14, 2024 · 2 mins read
Region Origin: Europe
Meaning: Light-hearted

The name Eleanor, often abbreviated as Ellie, has its origins in both Greek and French languages, meaning "light-hearted" or "shining light". It is primarily a girl's name and is pronounced as eh-luh-nor. The name has a rich history, with its earliest known usage dating back to the 12th century among English aristocrats. Eleanor is derived from the Old French name Aliénor, which translates to "the other Aenor". This name may have originated from French Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose mother's name was Aenor. The name Eleanor is also sometimes considered a variant of the Greek name Helen, which means "sun ray" or "shining light". Another theory suggests that it comes from the Germanic name Adenorde, meaning "ancient north" or "noble north". The name's popularity has seen resurgence in recent years, offering a timeless and classic choice for modern parents.

Eleanor Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Eleanor is currently #168 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Girl: Eleanor is currently #77 on Kiindred Girl Names
gender-male Overall Nature: Eleanor is currently #68 on Kiindred Nature Names
gender-female Girl Nature: Eleanor is currently #42 on Kiindred Girl Nature Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Eleanor is currently #165 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-female Girl Unique: Eleanor is currently #77 on Kiindred Girl Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Parents Who Like the Name Eleanor Also Like:

Parents who like the name Eleanor often have similar name preferences and tend to choose popular choices like:

Famous People Named Eleanor

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Eleanor, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

  • Eleanor Roosevelt: Eleanor Roosevelt was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist, serving as First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945 and known for her work in human rights.
  • Eleanor Tomlinson: Eleanor Tomlinson is an English actress known for her roles in "Poldark," "The Illusionist," and "Jack the Giant Slayer."
  • Eleanor Parker: Eleanor Parker was an American actress known for her roles in "Caged," "Detective Story," and "The Sound of Music." She passed away in 2013.
  • Eleanor Catton: Eleanor Catton is a New Zealand author known for her novel "The Luminaries," which won the Man Booker Prize in 2013.

 

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