Eleanor is a name of English origin, derived from the Norman French name Alienor, which itself comes from the Germanic elements alja, meaning "other" or "foreign", and hild, meaning "battle". Thus, Eleanor translates to "other battle".
The name Eleanor was popularized in England during the medieval period due to its use by members of the royal family. The most notable bearer of this name was Eleanor of Aquitaine (1124-1204), who was a Duchess of Aquitaine in southwestern France and later became queen consort of both France and England through her marriages to Louis VII of France and Henry II of England respectively.
Eleanor of Aquitaine is considered one of the most powerful and influential figures of the High Middle Ages. She was known for her intelligence, political acumen, and military leadership, as well as her patronage of the arts and culture. Her legacy continues to this day, with many places and institutions named in her honor.
The name Eleanor has been used consistently throughout history but experienced a resurgence in popularity during the late 20th century. Today, it remains a beloved choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their daughters.
The name Eleanor experienced a significant rise in popularity over time, with its highest point in recent years being 2021, when there were 7094 births. However, the total number of births for this name over the given period is 321,822.