A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elenora since 1880
Babies named Elenora per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elenora's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 116 |
| 1890s | 248 |
| 1900s | 333 |
| 1910s | 714 |
| 1920s | 826 |
| 1930s | 416 |
| 1940s | 238 |
| 1950s | 155 |
| 1960s | 78 |
| 1970s | 31 |
| 1980s | 17 |
| 1990s | 7 |
| 2000s | 29 |
| 2010s | 221 |
| 2020s | 232 |
Meaning & origin
Elenora is a name that saw its peak usage in 1899, and after a long period of obscurity, it began a resurgence in 1999. In 2025, it ranked 3342 with a frequency of about 1 in 34941 births. While often considered a variant of Eleanor, the name has developed its own distinct character, featuring an elaborate four-syllable form that appeals to parents seeking a traditional but uncommon choice. Its spelling and sound evoke both vintage charm and modern elegance, fitting well with the revival of 19th-century names.
Elenora appears as a variant of Eleanor, itself derived from the Old French form of the Occitan name Aliénor. Its ultimate origin may be from the Greek Helenē ("light," "torch"), though the exact derivation is debated. The name gained moderate use in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, often as a more elaborate form of Ellen or Helen.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ella, Elle, Nora, Lenore
Sibling names for Elenora
Names that share Elenora's style, for a brother or sister.
