A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elinor since 1880
Babies named Elinor per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 137 |
| 1890s | 277 |
| 1900s | 656 |
| 1910s | 4,010 |
| 1920s | 5,761 |
| 1930s | 3,762 |
| 1940s | 1,829 |
| 1950s | 836 |
| 1960s | 417 |
| 1970s | 217 |
| 1980s | 232 |
| 1990s | 405 |
| 2000s | 733 |
| 2010s | 1,424 |
| 2020s | 944 |
Meaning & origin
Elinor, a classic name with medieval English roots, carries an air of literary grace and quiet strength. As of 2025, it ranks 1500, a position reflecting its steady yet modest popularity. Historically, Elinor peaked in 1916, a time when traditional names were widely favored, before declining through the mid-20th century. However, since 1986, it has been rising again, suggesting a revival of interest in this elegant form. The name is currently most common in Alabama, Colorado, and Wisconsin, indicating a broad geographical appeal. Its association with Jane Austen's beloved character gives it a timeless resonance without the burden of overuse.
Elinor is a medieval English form of Helen, which derives from Greek Helene, possibly meaning 'torch' or 'light.' The name was popular among English nobility and appears in literature, notably as the sensible sister in Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility' (1811). Its spelling was influenced by the Old French variant Eleonore, contributing to its distinctive form.
Where Elinor is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Elinor” around the world
Where Elinor lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ellie, Nora, Ella, Nell
Sibling names for Elinor
Names that share Elinor's style, for a brother or sister.
