Eleanor
/ˈɛl.i.ə.nɔːr/noun
A female given name of uncertain origin, long used in English and other European languages.
Did you know?Eleanor became wildly popular in medieval Europe largely because of powerful queens, especially Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose fame helped transform a name of uncertain origin into a dynastic symbol.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Helénē
“Helen, the legendary woman whose name was associated with beauty and perhaps brightness or torch-light.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
Alienor / Alienora
“A learned and vernacular form used in medieval records, especially for noblewomen.”
12th Century
Old Occitan
Aliénor
“A prominent aristocratic name, famously borne by Eleanor of Aquitaine.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
Eléanor / Aliénor
“A feminine personal name spread through royal and noble usage.”
Middle English
English
Eleanor
“A female given name adopted into English from French and Latin forms.”
Modern English
English
Eleanor
“A common female given name.”