Eleanor

Meaning: uncertain; often linked to 'light' · Origin: Occitan / French · Gender: usually a girl's name

Origin & history

From the Occitan name Aliénor. Eleanor of Aquitaine was queen of both France and England in the 12th century; Eleanor Roosevelt made it a byword for public service.

Famous people named Eleanor

Eleanor of Aquitaine (queen)
Eleanor Roosevelt (First Lady and diplomat)

Nicknames

Ellie, Nora, Nell

Variants & related names

Elinor, Leonor, Eleonora

Eleanor name art

A free preview of a printable “Eleanor” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.

Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.

FAQ

What does the name Eleanor mean?

Eleanor means “uncertain; often linked to 'light'”. It comes from Occitan / French.

Is Eleanor a popular name?

Yes — Eleanor has been one of the most popular girls' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.

What are nicknames for Eleanor?

Ellie, Nora, Nell.

What are other forms of Eleanor?

Elinor, Leonor, Eleonora.

Similar names

Emma · Evelyn · Elizabeth · Ella · Emily · Ellie

More: names starting with E · all girls' names

Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.