Elleanor is a unique and elegant name of English origin. It is derived from the Old French name Alienor, which was used to denote "the other Aenor" or "the other lords". The name Aenor itself comes from the Germanic elements "agan" meaning "love", and "njor" meaning "land".
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Elleanor. One of the most famous was Eleanor of Aquitaine (1124-1204), a wealthy heiress who married King Louis VII of France and later became queen consort of England when she remarried Henry II. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and strong will, as well as her role in the politics of medieval Europe.
Other notable Elleanors include Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), the First Lady of the United States during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, and Eleanor Audley (1905-1997), an American actress best known for providing the voices of Maleficent in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and Lady Tremaine in "Cinderella".
In modern times, Elleanor has become increasingly popular as a name choice for girls. Its unique sound combined with its historical significance makes it an attractive option for parents seeking something distinctive yet timeless for their daughter.
Overall, the name Elleanor carries a rich history and elegant meaning that continues to captivate those who hear it today.
The name Elleanor has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1915 and 2023, there have been a total of 629 babies born with this name.
Initially, the number of births was quite low, ranging from 5 to 7 births per year between 1915 and 1935. However, starting in the late 1990s, there was a notable surge in the popularity of the name Elleanor.
In 1995, there were 9 births, which more than doubled by 2001 with 11 births that year. The early 2000s saw fluctuations in popularity, but it began to steadily increase again after 2006.
Between 2006 and 2023, the number of annual births with the name Elleanor consistently remained above 20, reaching a peak of 57 births in 2020. This trend shows that the name Elleanor has gained significant traction as a popular choice among parents in recent years.
Moreover, the overall total of 629 births over this period demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most common names, Elleanor is certainly well-established and beloved by many families across the United States.