Eleanor

girlOccitanChristian

Eleanor is an girl name of Occitan, via French origin, meaning “Origin uncertain; often 'the other Aenor'”.

MeaningOrigin uncertain; often 'the other Aenor'
GenderGirl
OriginOccitan, via French
PronunciationEL-uh-nor
TraditionModern & Classic, Christian
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia

Meaning and origin of Eleanor

Eleanor comes from the Old Occitan Aliénor. It is first recorded with Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose mother was named Aenor, and one explanation is that it meant 'the other Aenor'. It is often linked to the Greek Helen, but that connection is uncertain. Eleanor of Aquitaine brought the name to England, and later bearers include Eleanor Roosevelt. It has been very popular again since the 2010s.

Is Eleanor a religious name?

Eleanor is not a biblical name and has no particular religious background, though it has long been used in Christian Europe.

How popular is Eleanor?

Very popular again in English-speaking countries in recent years.

Gifts with the name Eleanor

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Spellings and variants of Eleanor

ElinorEleonoraLeonorAliénorNora

Names similar to Eleanor

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Eleanor mean?

Eleanor means 'Origin uncertain; often 'the other Aenor''. It is of Occitan, via French origin.

Does Eleanor have a religious meaning?

Eleanor is not a biblical name and has no particular religious background, though it has long been used in Christian Europe.

How do you pronounce Eleanor?

Eleanor is pronounced EL-uh-nor.

Is Eleanor a boy or girl name?

Eleanor is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.