Eleanor
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Eleanor
Eleanor is a Greek girl name, which has 7 letters.
Eleanor is a feminine given name derived from the Greek word ελενη (elene), meaning "bright, shining one." It is also the Old French form of the Germanic name Alihel which means "noble one".
Rating
Log in to save this name to your favorites.
What to Expect When You're Expecting
Buy On Amazon
The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be
Buy On Amazon
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
Buy On Amazon
Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years
Buy On Amazon
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
Buy On AmazonThese are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Detailed Information About The Name Eleanor
The name Eleanor is of Greek origin and means "bright, shining one". It is derived from the Greek elements "ele" meaning "light" and "nor" meaning "honor". Eleanor is predominantly a feminine given name, although it can also be used as a masculine name in rare cases.
Eleanor has a rich history and has been used by various cultures throughout time. One notable figure with this name is Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was a powerful and influential queen in the 12th century. She was known for her strong personality, intelligence, and diplomatic skills. Eleanor Roosevelt is another well-known bearer of the name. She was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945 and made significant contributions to human rights and social justice.
The name Eleanor gained popularity in medieval Europe and has remained a classic choice ever since. It has a timeless and elegant quality that appeals to many parents. Eleanor has a variety of variations and nicknames, including Ellie, Ella, Nell, and Nellie.
In terms of popularity, Eleanor has experienced a resurgence in recent years. It ranked 41st in popularity for girls' names in the United States in 2020. The name has also seen a rise in popularity in various other countries around the world.
Eleanor carries positive connotations, symbolizing brightness, honor, and strength. It is a name that exudes sophistication and grace. Whether chosen for its historical significance, its melodic sound, or its classic charm, Eleanor continues to be a popular and beloved name choice amongst parents.
Similar Greek Baby Names
Search Baby Names & Meanings
Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!
Celebrity Baby Names
Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.
Celebrity Baby NamesNaming Your Baby
Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.
Naming Your Baby
Unusual Baby Names
Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.
Unusual Baby NamesBiblical Baby Names
Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!
Biblical Baby NamesTypes of Baby Names
The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.
Types of Baby Names