A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ellinor since 1898
Babies named Ellinor per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2018, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ellinor's real moment was 1898.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 7 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 49 |
| 1920s | 53 |
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 28 |
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 21 |
| 2000s | 78 |
| 2010s | 241 |
| 2020s | 197 |
Meaning & origin
Ellinor, a spelling variant of the classic Eleanor, first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1898, the same year it reached its peak rank of 4758. After a long period of obscurity, the name has been rising since 1995, reflecting a broader revival of vintage names. In 2025, it is given to about 1 in 57,402 girls, making it a rare choice. Its highest concentration is in Michigan, where it has seen renewed interest. The name's history connects to medieval royalty and the enduring appeal of the 'light' meaning, though its exact etymology remains uncertain.
Ellinor is a spelling variant of Eleanor, which itself derives from the Old French form Aliénor. The name's ultimate origin is uncertain; it may be related to the Greek helene (torch) or the Arabic name Nurah (light). It was introduced to England by Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 12th century and became widely used among royalty. The Ellinor spelling emerged in the 19th century as a variant.
Where Ellinor is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ellie, Nora, Ella, Lenore
Sibling names for Ellinor
Names that share Ellinor's style, for a brother or sister.
