A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elinore since 1887
Babies named Elinore per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elinore's real moment was 1911.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 10 |
| 1890s | 25 |
| 1900s | 82 |
| 1910s | 595 |
| 1920s | 741 |
| 1930s | 343 |
| 1940s | 181 |
| 1950s | 66 |
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 8 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 43 |
| 2000s | 49 |
| 2010s | 129 |
| 2020s | 91 |
Meaning & origin
Elinore is a vintage spelling of Eleanor that saw its highest popularity in the early 20th century, particularly peaking in 1911. After decades of decline, it has been gradually rising since 1994, reflecting a broader revival of 1910s-era names. In 2025, the name ranked #7133, with a 1-in-107151 incidence among newborn girls. The trajectory is clearly upward, though it remains relatively uncommon. Unlike many revivals, Elinore's popularity is not concentrated in any particular state (no top states recorded), suggesting a broad but sparse appeal. The spelling variant with an "o" distinguishes it from the more common "Elinor" and the standard "Eleanor," giving it a slightly more ornate feel. Overall, Elinore offers a classic yet distinctive choice for parents drawn to historical names with a touch of uniqueness.
Elinore is a variant spelling of Eleanor, which itself derives from the Old Provençal name Aliénor. The name was borne by Eleanor of Aquitaine (12th century) and became common in England. The spelling "Elinore" emerged in the late 19th century as an alternative form. Its meaning is debated; it may be related to the Greek Helen ("light") or the Arabic name Nurah ("light").
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ellie, Nora, Ele
Sibling names for Elinore
Names that share Elinore's style, for a brother or sister.
