girlOld French

Eleanor: Meaning & Origin

Eleanor is a girl's name of Old French origin meaning “Light-hearted, shining light.” It has 3 syllables, giving it an elegant, melodic rhythm. Common nicknames include Ellie, Nora, Leo. As of 2023, Eleanor ranks #14 among girls' names in the United States and is currently rising in popularity. Its highest US ranking was #14 in 2023.

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Pronunciation

EL-uh-nor

Phonetic spelling

Popularity

90/100 Score

Currently #14 among US baby names.

Nicknames

EllieNoraLeo

Popularity Trend

2%
97
2019
99
2023
#14
US Rank

* Based on US Social Security Administration birth-registration data

Middle Name Ideas

  • Eleanor Claire
  • Eleanor Ann
  • Eleanor Jane

Famous Namesakes

  • Eleanor Roosevelt
  • Eleanor of Aquitaine

Frequently Asked Questions About Eleanor

What does the name Eleanor mean?

Eleanor means “Light-hearted, shining light.” It is a girl's name of Old French origin.

How do you pronounce Eleanor?

Eleanor is pronounced EL-uh-nor.

Is Eleanor a boy or girl name?

Eleanor is most commonly used as a girl's name.

How popular is the name Eleanor?

Eleanor currently ranks #14 among girls' names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Eleanor?

Popular nicknames for Eleanor include Ellie, Nora, Leo.

What are good middle names for Eleanor?

Middle names that pair well with Eleanor include Eleanor Claire, Eleanor Ann, Eleanor Jane.

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