Eleanor

Eleanor () is a feminine given name, originally from an Old French adaptation of the Old Provençal name Aliénor. It was the name of a number of women of royalty and nobility in western Europe during the High Middle Ages. The name was introduced to England by Eleanor of Aquitaine, who came to marry King Henry II. It was also borne by Eleanor of Provence, who became queen consort of England as the wife of King Henry III, and Eleanor of Castile, wife of Edward I. The name was popular in the Anglosphere during the first half of the 20th century, but declined in use until the late 20th century and first decades of the 21st century. It has been a well-used name in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand during the 2020s. Eleanor was the third most popular name for newborn girls born to white mothers in the U.S. state of Virginia in 2024, but was a less popular name for girls born to mothers from other groups. Eleanor was the ninth most popular name overall for newborn girls in Virginia in 2024. Eleanor Roosevelt, the longest-serving first lady of the U.S., was probably the most famous bearer of the name in contemporary history. Spelling variants include Elanor, Eleonore, Elinor, Ellenor and others. A common variant is Eleonora/Eleanora. Common hypocorisms include Eleana, Elle, Ella, Ellie, Elly, Leonor, Leonora, Leonore, Nell, Nella, Nellie, Nelly, and Nora.