Eleanor
Eleanor is a girls' name of French origin meaning “bright, shining one.” It ranked #12 in the United States in 2025. Eleanor has been borne by queens and first ladies, from Eleanor of Aquitaine to Eleanor Roosevelt.
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how do you pronounce Eleanor?
EL-eh-nor
where does the name Eleanor come from?
The origin is unsettled. Eleanor reached England through the Old French Aliénor, itself probably from the Occitan, and one long-standing suggestion derives it from a Latin phrase meaning the other Aenor, used to distinguish Eleanor of Aquitaine from her mother. The bright, shining gloss comes from later association with Helen.
Its revival from near-extinction in the 1980s to the top 15 is one of the great comeback stories in naming.
how popular is this name?
Eleanor has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #12 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #12 |
| 2024 | #14 |
| 2023 | #14 |
| 2022 | #16 |
| 2021 | #15 |
| 2020 | #22 |
| 2019 | #27 |
| 2018 | #32 |
| 2017 | #36 |
| 2016 | #41 |
| 2010 | #166 |
| 2000 | #375 |
| 1990 | #599 |
| 1980 | #676 |
| 1970 | #522 |
| 1960 | #328 |
| 1950 | #199 |
| 1940 | #68 |
| 1930 | #39 |
| 1920 | #25 |
| 1910 | #55 |
| 1900 | #88 |
| 1890 | #117 |
| 1880 | #126 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Eleanor fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Eleanor
Eleanor of Aquitaine, who died in 1204, was queen of France and then of England, mother of two English kings, and a political force for eight decades — few medieval figures left a longer shadow. Eleanor of Castile is remembered differently: the Eleanor Crosses were raised at each place her funeral procession rested, and Charing Cross takes its name from the last of them.
what are the nicknames and variants of Eleanor?
Variants around the world
who are famous people named Eleanor?
- Eleanor Roosevelt (US First Lady and activist)
- Eleanor of Aquitaine (medieval queen)
- Eleanor Rigby (Beatles song)
what names are similar to Eleanor?
what names go well with Eleanor?
Sibling names that share Eleanor's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Eleanor
What does the name Eleanor mean?
Eleanor means “bright, shining one”.
What is the origin of the name Eleanor?
Eleanor comes from the French naming tradition. Related forms include Eleanora, Elinor, Aliénor and Leonor.
How popular is the name Eleanor?
Eleanor ranked #12 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2025, at #12, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Eleanor a boy or girl name?
Eleanor is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Eleanor?
Eleanor is pronounced EL-eh-nor, with 3 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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