Rising since 1994, #1,631 for girls today.
Popularity of Elanor since 1913
Babies named Elanor per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 71 |
| 1920s | 129 |
| 1930s | 109 |
| 1940s | 69 |
| 1950s | 13 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 46 |
| 1980s | 37 |
| 1990s | 56 |
| 2000s | 273 |
| 2010s | 477 |
| 2020s | 645 |
Meaning & origin
Elanor is a name that blends literary mystique with modern subtlety. First recorded in the U.S. in 1913, it has experienced a slow but persistent climb in popularity, becoming a rising choice since 1994. Its peak year so far was 2023, and in 2025 it ranked 1631st, with about 1 in 12,656 newborn girls receiving the name. The name has a particular affinity for states like Idaho, Missouri, and Washington, where nature-inspired and literary names often find favor. While its exact origins remain debated, Elanor carries an elegant, floral quality that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet familiar.
Elanor is a name of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Eleanor, which itself derives from the Provencal name Aliénor, meaning 'other Aenor' or from Greek helios for 'sun, light'. Alternatively, it may be a modern coinage inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, where Elanor is a golden flower in Lothlórien and a character. The name has seen modern use as a feminine given name, particularly since the late 20th century.
Where Elanor is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Elanor” around the world
Where Elanor lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ellie, Lana, Nora
Sibling names for Elanor
Names that share Elanor's style, for a brother or sister.
