Leonora is a unique and elegant feminine given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish name Leonor, which itself is composed of two elements: "leo" meaning lion, and "nor" which is a shortened form of the Latin word "honos" meaning honor or fame.
The name Leonora has been popular throughout history, particularly among Spanish royalty. One of the most notable bearers of this name was Leonor de Guzman, who was the mistress of King Alfonso XI of Castile in the 14th century. Their son, Pedro the Cruel, eventually became king.
In literature, the name Leonora gained further prominence through its use by Lord Byron in his poem "Manfred" (1817), and later by Edgar Allan Poe in his short story "Ligeia" (1838). These works helped to popularize the name outside of Spain and give it a romantic and mysterious aura.
Today, Leonora is still considered an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet timeless name for their daughter. Its meaning of "lion of honor" suggests strength and dignity, while its historical and literary associations lend it an air of sophistication and intrigue. Overall, Leonora is a powerful and captivating name that has stood the test of time.
The name Leonora experienced varying popularity over the years, with a significant rise during World War I and its aftermath. From 1880 to around 1940, there were roughly 26 to 86 births per year. The number of Leonoras born annually peaked in 1918 with 133 births, likely due to the post-war baby boom. However, after 1950, the popularity of the name declined considerably, with fewer than 50 Leonoras born each year until the late 2010s when it began to rise again, reaching 74 births in 2021 and 105 births in 2023. In total, there were 7298 births named Leonora between 1880 and 2023.