Elleanor is a unique and elegant name of English origin. It is derived from the Old French name Alienor, which was used to denote "the other Aenor" or "the other lords". The name Aenor itself comes from the Germanic elements "agan" meaning "love", and "njor" meaning "land".
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Elleanor. One of the most famous was Eleanor of Aquitaine (1124-1204), a wealthy heiress who married King Louis VII of France and later became queen consort of England when she remarried Henry II. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and strong will, as well as her role in the politics of medieval Europe.
Other notable Elleanors include Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), the First Lady of the United States during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, and Eleanor Audley (1905-1997), an American actress best known for providing the voices of Maleficent in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and Lady Tremaine in "Cinderella".
In modern times, Elleanor has become increasingly popular as a name choice for girls. Its unique sound combined with its historical significance makes it an attractive option for parents seeking something distinctive yet timeless for their daughter.
Overall, the name Elleanor carries a rich history and elegant meaning that continues to captivate those who hear it today.
The name Elleanor experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century. While it was consistently given to around five babies per year from 1915 to 1942, there was a notable gap in its usage between 1942 and 1995. After re-emerging in 1995 with nine births, Elleanor's popularity began to rise steadily, peaking at 57 births in 2020 and 52 births in 2021. Overall, there were a total of 629 babies named Elleanor between 1915 and 2023.